Verapamil SR and propranolol LA: a comparison of efficacy and side effects in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.

The efficacy, safety and toleration of sustained release verapamil (Securon SR, Knoll) and long acting propranolol (Inderal LA, ICI) in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension were compared in a randomized, double-blind, parallel group study. Both drugs were of similar efficacy and were well tolerated in the majority of patients. However, in the verapamil SR treated group side-effects resulted in significantly fewer drug-related withdrawals.

High-dosage co-amoxiclav in a single dose versus 7 days of co-trimoxazole as treatment of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection in women.

The efficacy and adverse event profile of a single 3.25 g dose of co-amoxiclav as treatment of acute uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection in women was compared with that of co-trimoxazole 960 mg bd for 7 days in a prospective, randomized, double-blind multicentre clinical trial. Of the 666 patients enrolled, 279 (144 in the co-amoxiclav group and 135 in the co-trimoxazole group) were eligible for evaluation of clinical and bacteriological responses. At the follow-up assessment 42 days after study entry, the successful clinical response rate was 73.8% for patients who received co-amoxiclav, compared with 85.1% for patients given co-trimoxazole (P < or = 0.05); the corresponding rates for successful bacteriological response were 64.1% and 79.6% (P < or = 0.05). Both treatment regimens were well-tolerated, with 15% of patients in the co amoxiclav group and 12% of patients in the co-trimoxazole group reporting adverse events (P > or = 0.05). The adverse event profiles for the two groups differed, gastrointestinal disturbances predominating amongst patients who received co-amoxiclav and rashes being commonest amongst those given co-trimoxazole.