[Metabolic effects of a fixed combination (betablocker plus saluretic) in long-term treatment of arterial hypertension (author's transl)]. / Antihypertensive Langzeitbehandlung mit Torrat. Metabolische Wirkungen einer festen Beta-Rezeptorenblocker-Saluretikum-Kombination.

UNLABELLED: In 23 patients with essential hypertension of stage I and II according to the WHO, the effects of a fixed combination of a beta-receptor-blocker plus saluretic composed of 20 mg of metipranolol (Disorat 20) and 2.5 mg of butizid (Saltucin) = Torrat on blood pressure and important metabolic parameters (glucose, glucose tolerance, cholesterol, triglyceride, uric acid, plasma potassium and whole body potassium) were tested over a 6-month treatment period. RESULTS: blood pressure and pulse rate were significantly reduced; bradycardia (pulse rate less than 60/min) was not observed. The metabolic parameters showed no significant changes during the 6-month treatment period. In no case did the therapy have to be discontinued because of undesirable effects. The investigations show that the combination has a good antihypertensive effect with few side-effects and that it has no influence on important metabolic parameters during long-term therapy.

[Potassium metabolism in combined administration of pindolol and clopamide in long-term treatment of hypertension (author's transl)]. / Der Kaliumhaushalt bei kombinierter Anwendung von Pindolol und Clopamid in der antihypertensiven Langzeittherapie.

Potassium metabolism was studied in a multicentre trial of 174 out-patients with arterial hypertension of mild or moderate degree who were receiving both beta-adenergic blockers and a diuretic (1 tablet Viskaldix, containing 10 mg pindolol and 5 mg clopamide). The antihypertensive effect, heart rate and drug tolerance were also analysed. During the 15-week treatment there were no significant changes in potassium metabolism. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, both on standing and lying, were significantly decreased, while heart rate remained within normal limits. In no instance was it necessary to discontinue the drug because it was not well tolerated.