Comparison of captopril with propranolol in the treatment of mild and moderate essential hypertension.

Captopril (SQ 14,225), an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, was used in combination with propranolol, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent, in the treatment of mild and moderate hypertension. A significant decrease in blood presure was obtained (P less than 0.05). The maximum oral dose of captopril was 450 mg daily and the maximum oral dosage of propranolol was 360 mg daily. Side-effects were negligible and transitory. They consisted of skin rashes and pain in the calves (1 patient) and palpitations (1 patient) on captopril and skin rashes (1 patient) on propranolol. Captopril is a promising new hypotensive agent and is efficacious in combination with beta-adrenergic blocking agents.