Alprenolol and propranolol in the treatment of hypertension: a comparative study.

The antihypertensive potencies of propranolol and alprenolol were compared in a series of 16 patients with essential hypertension using a double-blind crossover technique. The daily dose of propranolol was 160 mg and that of alprenolol 400 mg. This dose ratio of 1: 2.5 was based on evidence of their equipotency in reducing the heart rate response to isoprenaline and physical exercise. Both compounds reduced significantly the blood pressure and heart rate in supine and erect positions. No statistically significant differences were observed between responses to the two tested compounds. The blood pressure reduction was gradual over a period of three months. Roughly half of the patients was restored to normotension. The use of β-receptor antagonists in the treatment of hypertension is briefly discussed.