Bopindolol, a new long-acting beta-adrenoceptor antagonist--a randomized comparison against propranolol in hypertensive patients.

In a randomized parallel-group trial the blood-pressure lowering effect of a new beta-adrenoceptor blocker bopindolol (LT 31-200) in a dose of 1-4 mg once daily (eight patients) was compared with that of propranolol in a dose of 40-120 mg t.i.d. (nine patients). The average blood pressure fell in the bopindolol group from 185/113 mmHg to 135/90 mmHg and in the propranolol group from 183/120 mmHg to 147/102 mmHg. Both changes were statistically significant. This was achieved during a nine week treatment period at the end of which the average dose of bopindolol was 3 mg per day and of propranolol 330 mg per day. One patient receiving bopindolol interrupted the trial because of restlessness and insomnia, and one receiving propranolol because of bronchospasm. Side-effects were, otherwise, mild in both groups. During a one-year treatment period following the comparative trial, the seven patients who had received bopindolol showed no evidence of tachyphylaxia, the blood-pressure remaining well controlled while the dosage was slightly reduced. No new side-effects were reported and the ANA and AMA tests remained negative in all patients.