Comparison of low-dose captopril and propranolol as second-line drugs in mild and moderate hypertension.
Captopril in low doses has been used recently with success in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension. In the present study we compared the effects of captopril, 50 mg/day, to propranolol, 80 mg/day, as second-line antihypertensive agents. By administering each of these drugs together with hydrochlorothiazide, the mean blood pressure was lowered from 156/99 to 140/84 and from 15/98 to 140/85 mm Hg, respectively. Although serious adverse effects were infrequent in both groups of patients, bradycardia and fatigue were common among the subjects receiving propranolol, whereas captopril left the quality of life largely unaltered. Captopril appears to be a safe and effective antihypertensive agent in mild and moderate hypertension when used in low doses in addition to a thiazide diuretic.
D000328:Adult; D002216:Captopril / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011433:Propranolol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide; D002216:Captopril; D011433:Propranolol