Atenolol/Chlorthalidone: Together or Alone? Elderly hypertensive patients better controlled with combination therapy

In a single-blind randomised trial, 21 elderly patients with poorly controlled hypertension received atenolol 50mg (n = 9) or chlorthalidone 12.5mg (n = 12) once daily for 4 weeks. All patients then received the 2 drugs in combination (,Tenoretic GE') for 4 weeks. The study was preceded by a 4-week placebo washout.

BP, heart rate and serum potassium levels were significantly decreased when chlorthalidone and atenolol were administered in combination compared with either drug given alone. Three patients developed mild hypokalaemia on combination therapy. During the placebo run-in, 7 patients reported side effects compared with 8 patients during the combined treatment period.

It appears that the combined treatment is effective in decreasing BP in elderly patients whose hypertension had previously been poorly controlled. The combination of atenolol and chlorthalidone was well tolerated but 'regular checks of potassium status of elderly patients on long-term therapy' are recommended. Marlier R. Fitzsimons TJ Clinical Toals Journal 22 498·503. No 6 1985

12 INPHARMA'" 22 Mar 1986 0156-2703/86/1005-0012/0$01.00/0 © ADIS Press