A comparative study of metoprolol and methyldopa in the treatment of hypertension.

The efficacy of metoprolol, a new cardioselective beta-blocking drug, was compared with that of methyldopa in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension in a long-term study. A total of 25 patients received metoprolol in a maximum dose of 200 mg once daily; 30 patients received 500 mg methyldopa twice a day. Both groups of hypertensive patients had similar blood pressure upon entering the study (methyldopa: 182/110 mmHg; metoprolol: 180/110 mmHg). Two years after continuing therapy the blood pressures were similar (methyldopa: 142/90 mmHg; metoprolol: 145/90 mmHg). The great difference between the two drugs was the incidence and severity of side effects, here metoprolol offered a definite advantage.