title: Metoprolol in hypertension: an open evaluation.
abstract: We studied the efficacy and tolerability of metoprolol, administered alone or in combination therapy, in 703 hypertensive patients. We observed a significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients treated with metoprolol alone or with metoprolol and a diuretic. Of these, 60% to 85% achieved a diastolic blood pressure of 12 kPa (90 mmHg) or lower during the 12-week trial. The maximum effect occurred after approximately three weeks. In the majority of patients, 100 mg twice a day controlled mild to moderate hypertension. Side effects (mainly gastrointestinal disturbances and dizziness) occurred in 15% of patients receiving metoprolol alone and led to treatment withdrawal in 6.7%. For the total patients population, these frequencies were 13.5% and 6.7% respectively, and decreased with time. Asthmatics and diabetics tolerated metoprolol extremely well, indicating the clinical importance of metoprolol's cardioselectivity.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001986:Bronchial Spasm / Q000139:chemically induced; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced; D004232:Diuretics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011412:Propanolamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D004232:Diuretics; D011412:Propanolamines; D008790:Metoprolol