Abstract
A fixed combination of metoprolol slow-release 200 mg and chlorthalidone 25 mg was given once daily over a 3 months period in forty out-patients with mild-to-moderate arterial hypertension stage I or II WHO.
The combination elicited a clear-cut antihypertensive effect lasting at least 24 hours after drug. As compared with pre-treatment values, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were gradually reduced within the first month of treatment, remaining nearly constant in the following 2 months.
Treatment was well tolerated by all patients. Neither serum potassium nor any other laboratory test (creatinine, glucose, uric acid, etc.) showed significant changes.
In conclusion, slow-release metoprolol in fixed association with chlorthalidone provides a safe and effective treatment of arterial hypertension even on a long-term basis. The once daily dosing schedule may considerably improve patient's compliance.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.