Comparison of talinolol and atenolol effects on blood pressure in relation to lipid and glucose metabolic parameters. Results from the TALIP study.

Aims: The primary objective of this double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study was to compare the influence ofthe selective beta1-receptor antagonists talinolol (100 mg) and atenolol (50 mg) on the lipid metabolism in hyperlipemic patients with mild to moderate hypertension after 12 weeks of treatment. As a secondary endpoint, the influence of the drug on blood pressure, pulse rate as well as glucose metabolism were examined. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed.

Patients: Of the 198 patients recruited for the study, 166 were randomized to receive atenolol (n = 83) or talinolol (n = 83) for up to 12 weeks, 149 patients received the study medication for up to 48 weeks under double-blind conditions.

Results: There was no difference between the antihypertensive effect of both beta1-selective antagonists in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. No clinically relevant differences between the 2 drugs were observed for LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides in the rather low doses given. However, there was evidence for a decrease in LDL cholesterol following treatment with talinolol, but not following treatment with atenolol, in patients with the highest initial blood pressure and in those with normalized blood pressure after 12 weeks of treatment. Parameters of glucose metabolism were not adversely affected by both drugs. Stable pharmacokinetics were observed over the 12-week administration, and steady state conditions were achieved after a 1-week treatment with both active compounds in the target population. Data indicate that once-a-day dosing can be performed with less fluctuation between peak and trough for talinolol in comparison to atenolol. Both treatments were well tolerated.