Clinical efficacy and tolerability of nebivolol in patients with hypertension

Nebivolol (novel highly selective b(1)-adrenoblocker with additional vasodi lating action) was given to 30 patients with mild and moderate hypertension for 24 weeks in doses of 5-10 mg/day. Monotherapy was effective in 67,9% o f patients, while in 32,1% combination with hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg/day) was required. Hypotensive effect developed gradually and maximal lowering of blood pressure was achieved in 12-24 weeks. Effective doses were 2,5 mg - in 2, 5 mg - in 16 patients, 10 mg - in 1 patient. The dose of 10 mg was used solely in moderate hypertension and did not produce any substantial in crement of effect. Treatment with nebivolol was associated with significant decrease of myocardial mass (by 9,7%, p<0,05) and myocardial mass index (b y 5,1%, p<0,05). Nebivolol favorably affected 24-hour blood pressure rhythm both in patients with normal and disturbed rhythm. Tolerability of the dru g was good. No negative action on lipid profile was noted.