A comparative study of metoprolol and methyldopa in the treatment of hypertension.
The efficacy of metoprolol, a new cardioselective beta-blocking drug, was compared with that of methyldopa in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension in a long-term study. A total of 25 patients received metoprolol in a maximum dose of 200 mg once daily; 30 patients received 500 mg methyldopa twice a day. Both groups of hypertensive patients had similar blood pressure upon entering the study (methyldopa: 182/110 mmHg; metoprolol: 180/110 mmHg). Two years after continuing therapy the blood pressures were similar (methyldopa: 142/90 mmHg; metoprolol: 145/90 mmHg). The great difference between the two drugs was the incidence and severity of side effects, here metoprolol offered a definite advantage.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008750:Methyldopa / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged
D008750:Methyldopa; D008790:Metoprolol