ANTIHYPERTENSIVE THERAPY WITH TIMOLOL AND METHYLDOPA

The addition of timolol to half-optimal doses of methyldopa was as effective as doubling the dose of methyldopa.

After a 4-week 'wash out' period with placebo, 22 hypertensive black patients were placed on methyldopa therapy,

starting dose 7 50mg/ d. During the subsequent 3 weeks, the dose was increased, if blood pressure was> 140/90mm Hg,

to a maximum of2.5g/d. After the 9th week, the dosag~~ldopa was halved and either timolol or placebo was

added. The timolol dose was increased to a maximum o~ VJrd-Methyldopa alone was an effective antihypertensive in 90% of the patients. Three patients failed to respond to a daily dose

of 2.5g/d. During methyldopa therapy, there was no change in body mass, renal function or cardiac status. Two patients

experienced tolerable side-effects. The addition of timolol to half-doses of methyldopa caused a reduction in pulse rate

even in the 2 patients who did not achieve a lowering of blood pressure. No explanation could be found for the

statistically significant rise in serum urea and creatinine observed during timolol therapy.

Lubbe, W.F.: South African Medical Journal 50: 279 (28 Feb 1976)

INPHAAMA 13th March,1976p8