Serum potassium and body weight during treatment with two fixed combinations of beta-blockers and diuretics in hypertensive patients: a controlled study.
Two fixed combinations of beta-blockers and diuretics, penbutolol plus furosemide and pindolol plus clopamide, were compared with respect to efficacy, safety, and tolerability in hypertensive out-patients. The two preparations were equally effective in reducing blood pressure when given as a single daily dose. Doubling the dosage for those patients who responded poorly did not improve therapeutic response. The group treated with pindolol-clopamide had a significant increase in mean body weight and a substantial decrease in serum potassium concentrations. No direct relationship between these findings could be demonstrated, but the loss of potassium would be an important consideration when treating patients who are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of hypokalemia.
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D004232:Diuretics; D004338:Drug Combinations; D011188:Potassium