RESUMO
A double blind cross-over trial of sustained-release Oxprenolol and Chlorthalidone was carried out in the Hypertension Clinic at the University Hospital of Jamaica. The study proceeded in blocks of 4 weeks each. After an initial period of placebo, patients were randomly assigned to therapy with either Chlothalidone 50 mg or Oxprenolol 160 mg daily then subsequently cross-over, and finally all patients were placed on combination therapy with both drugs. Both Chlorthalidone and Oxprenolol produced a significant fall in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, combination therapy was more effective than either drug used alone and allowed goal blood pressure levels (below 140/90 mm Hg) to be achieved after a relatively short time. The study supports the view that optimal anti-hypertensive response to beta-blockers in blocks is best achieved when these drugs are used in combination with a thiazide diuretic. (Summary)
