A multicentre evaluation of sustained release oxprenolol in the management of hypertension in hospital out-patient practice.

One hundred and two patients with essential hypertension, managed in hospital out-patient clinics in the United Kingdom on a drug regime of beta-receptor antagonist alone, or in combination with a diuretic were successfully transferred to once daily sustained release oxprenolol. Where a diuretic was prescribed the dose remained unchanged. Improved control of blood pressure was recorded in the majority of patients with one or two morning tablets of sustained release oxprenolol. Preference for once daily therapy, enthusiasm for the calendar pack, and a net increase in the mean daily dosage of a beta-receptor antagonist were the probable factors contributing to the improvement recorded. Once daily sustained release oxprenolol would appear, in most hypertensive patients, to be an effective substitute for multi-dose treatment with beta-receptor antagonists in conventional formulation.