Clinical evaluation of 'tenormin' [atenolol] in hypertension

ABSTRACT

An open 4 week study for evaluating the efficacy of Tenormin [100 mg 'Atenolol' once daily] with or without chlorthalidone was carried out in 52 hypertensive patients with uncomplicated mild to moderately severe essential hypertension. A tablet count at the end of study enabled patient compliance to be judged. Of the 52 patients, 41 completed the study; 8 patients were lost to follow up and in 3 drug had to be withdrawn because of side effects. A statistically significant fall in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed in 15 patients taking Tenormin alone and in 26 when combined with Chlorthalidone. 84% patients showed fair or excellent compliance to therapy over this short period. 5 of 44 patients taking the drug suffered from side effects which included gastrointestinal disturbances [2], skin rash [1], retrosternal discomfort [1] and numbness of hands and feet [1]