Effect of oral penbutolol on renal haemodynamics of hypertensive patients with renal insufficiency
Bailey, R.R.; Carlson, R.V.; Walker, R.J.; Swainson, C.P.
New Zealand Medical Journal 98(785): 683-685
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 3863029 Document Number: 260123
Acute or chronic administration of most betaadrenoreceptor blocking drugs is associated with a fall in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. In patients with renal insufficiency this effect on renal function may be clinically important. Penbutolol is a non-cardioselective, pure laevo, betablocker with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. Previous studies have suggested that penbutolol may increase the glomerular filtration rate. In this study eight hypertensive patients with renal insufficiency were studied during a three-week placebo period an then for four weeks while taking penbutolol in a dose of 40 or 80 mg daily. Penbutolol produced a fall in the pulse rate in all eight patients. Five of the eight patients had a fall in their supine and standing blood pressure. Effective renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate did not change significantly. In seven of the eight patients there was a fall in the calculated renal vascular resistance but the mean fall did not reach statistical significance. Penbutolol appears to be an effective beta-blocker and one that could be used appropriately in patients with renal insufficiency.