Propranolol in the treatment of hypertension in Asians

Abstract

Propranolol ('Inderal') as an antihypertensive agent was assessed in 23 Asian patients in Singapore. Significant fall in the average systolic and diastolic blood pressures in these 23 patients was achieved during propranolol therapy, which lasted from 4 to 6 mth. Sixteen patients, who had a pretreatment diastolic pressure of less than 130 mms Hg, had a good response (defined as a fall of diastolic pressure to less than 100 mms Hg) during treatment The effective daily dosage of propranolol required varied widely from 30 to 1,000 mgms. Seven other patients, all of whom had a pretreatment diastolic pressure of 130 mms Hg or more, had unsatisfactory blood pressure control with a daily total dosage of 1,000 mgms of propranolol alone. However, adequate blood pressure control was achieved in all these seven patients with the addition of chlorothiazide alone or chlorothiazide and alpha methyl dopa. No postural hypotension or sexual difficulties in males were seen in any patient while on propranolol. One patient developed insomnia needing hypnotics. Three patients were withdrawn from the trial before its completion, two because of the development of congestive cardiac failure and the third because of bronchial asthma.