Treatment of elderly hypertensives with beta-blocker/thiazide combination.
The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of a low dose beta-blocker and diuretic combination in elderly hypertensives. In a prospective, double blind, placebo-controlled cross over study 30 patients with blood pressure higher than 160/90 mmHg and a mean age of 71.5 years were treated with a combination of sotalol hydrochloride 80 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg. With this regimen a significant drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (patient in sitting position) was obtained when compared with placebo (p less than 0.05). No significant side effects were noted because high-risk patients were excluded and the beta-blocker was used in low dose combination with thiazide diuretic for synergistic action. We conclude that a combination of beta-blocker and diuretic is an effective and safe therapy in carefully selected elderly patients with mild to moderate hypertension.
Gupta
R C
RC
Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oldham and District General Hospital, England.
Bhan
G L
GL
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011674:Pulse / Q000187:drug effects; D013015:Sotalol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D004338:Drug Combinations; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide; C056540:Tolerzide; D013015:Sotalol