Effects of a new long-acting beta-blocker bopindolol (LT 31-200) on blood pressure, plasma catecholamines, renin and cholesterol in patients with arterial hypertension.

Bopindolol (LT 31-200), a new, long-acting, non-selective beta-blocker, was given as monotherapy to 13 patients, 12 with essential hypertension and 1 with renovascular hypertension. After a placebo period of 4-6 weeks, bopindolol was given once daily, starting with 1 mg and subsequently increasing at two-weekly intervals to 2 and 4 mg once daily until a diastolic blood pressure less than or equal to 90 mmHg was achieved. The effective dose was continued for 12 weeks. In 10 patients plasma levels of renin, noradrenaline, adrenaline and cholesterol were measured during placebo and after 3 months of therapy. Blood pressure and heart rate were lowered significantly during bopindolol treatment. The mean effective dose was 2.2 mg per day. In 10/13 patients a diastolic blood pressure less than or equal to 90 mmHg was achieved. Side effects were minimal. Changes in plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline were small and not significant, but renin and cholesterol were significantly reduced. Thus, LT 31-200 is an effective and well tolerated beta-blocker when given in a once daily dosage.