Hypotensive Action of Pronethalol

Abstract

Pronethalol, an acirenergic beta-blocking drug, has been found to have a hypotensive action in man. After intravenous administration no hypotensive effect is seen. After short-term oral administration in a double-blind trial in angina pectoris (Prichard et al., 1963) there was a small but statistically significant hypotensive action. After three months’ use in 15 patients, 11 of whom were hypertensives, there was a mean fall in blood-pressure of 33/ 23 mm. Hg supine and 27/16 mm. Hg standing. This effect may be due to block of sympathetic nerves to the heart. However, in view of its carcinogenic properties pronethalol should not be used in the treatment of hypertension. I am indebted to I.C.I. Pharmaceuticals for the supply of pronethalol used in this study. © 1964, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.