COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF METOPROLOL AND ALPHA-METHYLDOPA IN UNTREATED ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

The hypotensive actions of metoprolol and .alpha.-methyldopa were compared in 37 men with previously untreated essential hypertension; 36 belonged to stage 1, and 1 to stage 2 of the WHO classification. After 4 wk of placebo treatment the patients were randomly allocated to treatment with either of the 2 drugs. Treatment was started with metoprolol 75 mg daily or .alpha.-methyldopa 375 mg and was doubled after 8 wk. Satisfactory blood pressure control was defined as systolic blood pressure below 160 mm Hg and diastolic below 95 mm Hg. The patients were examined every 4 wk and in those with unsatisfactory control the dose was gradually increased up to a maximum daily dose of metoprolol 450 mg or .alpha.-methyldopa 2250 mg. The trial lasted for 24 wk after randomization. Five patients dropped out of the study. After 6 mo., satisfactory blood pressure control was recorded in 16 out of 17 patients and 14 out of 15 patients treated with metoprolol and .alpha.-methyldopa, respectively. The average reduction in blood pressure produced by the 2 drugs was comparable. One patient in the .alpha.-methyldopa group developed drug exanthema and 2 patients a positive Coombs'' test. Other side effects were few and did not differ between the 2 compounds.