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Comparison of hydrochlorothiazide and atenolol as initial treatment in uncomplicated hypertension

Comparison of hydrochlorothiazide and atenolol as initial treatment in uncomplicated hypertension

Authors :
Veur, E.
Berge, B. S.
Donker, A. J. M.
May, J. F.
Schuurman, F. H.
Wesseling, H.
Source :
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology; March 1984, Vol. 26 Issue: 2 p157-162, 6p
Publication Year :
1984

Abstract

After screening a local population in the northern part of The Netherlands for hypertension, 119 patients with a diastolic pressure (DP) between 95 and 120 mmHg were randomised and treated either with 50 mg hydrochlorothiazide (n=59) or 100 mg atenolol (n=60). After 1 month of treatment 6 patients in the hydrochlorothiazide group and 24 patients in the atenolol group had reached a DP?90 mmHg (p<0.001). 43 of the 50 non-responders to hydrochlorothiazide were switched to atenolol and 30 of the 35 non-responders to atenolol were changed to hydrochlorothiazide. One month after the switch 19 patients in the atenolol group and 2 patients in the hydrochlorothiazide group had reached a DP?90 mmHg (p<0.001). After 6 months of treatment 32 of the 43 atenolol responders and 7 of the 8 hydrochlorothiazide responders were still receiving the same medication, as their DP was still?90 mmHg. Non-responders to either medication were given the combination (n=46). 21 patients now became normotensive as did a further 10 after increasing the dose of atenolol to 200 mg. Thus, in all 70 patients had a blood pressure ?90 mmHg after treatment for 4 months. Both drugs induced a significant reduction in the total of number of complaints after 1 month of treatment. They did not differ from each other. The reduction was seen both in responders and non-responders and persisted during treatment for 6 months. It is concluded that in terms of short-term efficacy the cardioselective, hydrophilic beta adrenoceptor-blocking drug atenolol is preferable to hydrochlorothiazide in the treatment of uncomplicated hypertension.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00316970 and 14321041
Volume :
26
Issue :
2
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs16147107
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00630280