Comparative evaluation of the antihypertensive effect of timolol and propranolol in patients with essential hypertension.

Fifty patients with essential hypertension were studied for the antihypertensive effect of timolol and propranolol. In 16 out of 25 patients on timolol therapy (64%) blood pressure could be brought well under control (defined as diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg) while with propranolol 13 out of 25 patients (52%) responded. Side-effects were negligible with timolol as compared to propranolol therapy. This study revealed that timolol is an effective and safe drug in essential hypertension, and is tolerated better than propranolol by the patients.