Patients compliance in hypertension--the importance of number of tablets.

The importance of number of tablets for patient compliance was investigated in 160 patients with mild-moderate essential hypertension treated with a beta-adrenoceptor blocker and a thiazide diuretic. Mean BP at entry 146 +/- 16/92 +/- 8 mm Hg. All patients were given pindolol 10 mg and clopamide 5 mg in one combination tablet or in separate tablets for 4 months respectively. Approximately 90% of the patients took greater than 90% of the prescribed dose throughout the study. Mean BP decreased progressively and heart rate increased slightly. Side effects were more frequently reported during the first month of the study than previously, and 30 patients discontinued the treatment. No differences in this respect were seen between 1 and 2 tablets daily. Approximately 75% of the patients preferred 1 tablet daily, but combining two drugs in one tablet had no effect upon compliance.