Labetalol compared with propranolol in patients with both angina pectoris and systemic hypertension: a double-blind study

Labetalol is a non-selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist agent with added alpha 1-adrenergic blocking properties, beta 2-stimulating action, and direct vasodilatory activity. A multi-center, double-blind, parallel group study compared the safety and efficacy of labetalol to propranolol in the treatment of patients with both exertional angina and mild to moderate systemic hypertension. An initial 4 to 5 week placebo washout phase was followed by a five week titration phase and a four month maintenance phase. Labetalol and propranolol had similar effects in reducing supine and standing blood pressures, except for a greater reduction in standing systolic blood pressure seen in the labetalol group. There were comparable effects by both treatments on angina attacks, nitroglycerin use, and exercise tolerance. Adverse effects were frequent with both drugs, but were generally minor. Thus, labetalol appears to be an effective alternative to propranolol in the treatment of patients with coexisting angina pectoris and hypertension, with the choice of agent dependent on the clinical situation.
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