Pafenolol, a new beta 1-selective blocking agent, in mild hypertension. Result of an inpatient study and a subsequent outpatient follow-up.

Pafenolol, a new selective adrenergic beta 1-blocking agent, has been tested for the first time in 6 hypertensive patients. After single oral doses of pafenolol 25 to 100 mg, there was a marked reduction in heart rate and systolic blood pressure during exercise tests. These effects were dose dependent. A significant positive correlation was found between the reduction in heart rate during exercise and the plasma level of pafenolol 5 hours after drug intake (correlation coefficient r = 0.94). Side effects were mild and seemed to be dose dependent. It is concluded that this new beta 1-blocking agent was effective in reducing blood pressure and was well tolerated.