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Atenolol 100 mg and penbutolol 40 mg given once a day were both effective in controlling moderate hypertension, as judged by a randomised controlled, double-blind trial in 45 patients treated for six weeks. Both drugs significantly reduced the resting supine and erect blood pressures. No serious adverse effects could be attributed to either drug. Bradycardia occurred more frequently with atenolol than with penbutolol. Penbutolol, which possesses intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, may be useful in the treatment of patients in whom some other beta-blocker has failed to bring about adequate control of the blood pressure, despite marked bradycardia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the natriuretic and diuretic effects of a slow-release and a standard formulation of furosemide, 18 elderly patients with stable congestive heart failure were hospitalized and treated with one of these formulations in a double blind randomized trial. Patients received placebo on the first 2 days, furosemide on the third day and placebo again on the last 2 days of the study. In patients receiving the standard formulation mean urine output was increased only on the day of active treatment. However, in patients who had received the slow-release preparation, increased urine excretion was seen both on the day of active treatment and on the subsequent day. The total diuresis (0-48 h) in the 2 groups was equal, but a peak diuresis (0-6 h) was seen only in patients on the standard formulation of furosemide. Sodium excretion followed the pattern of urine excretion. Furosemide in a slow-release formulation offers advantages in maintenance therapy in congestive heart failure, especially in elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]