Bopindolol is a nonselective beta blocker with mild intrinsic
sympathomimetic activity. One of the
drug's main benefits is its prolonged effect, lasting for 24 hours, which makes it possible to administer
bopindolol in a single daily dose, a fact that may improve patient adherence to
therapy. A double-blind study was performed in two centers, comparing
bopindolol with
metoprolol in 86 hypertensive patients. Baseline diastolic blood pressure (BP) was 100 to 120 mm Hg. The effects of
bopindolol or
metoprolol on BP and heart rate were similar: return to normal values was achieved in 70% of patients with either
drug. A 6-month study at another center found that
bopindolol did not affect the levels of total
cholesterol, low-density and
high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or
triglycerides. Another 12-month study documented a decrease in total
cholesterol,
apolipoprotein (
apo) A1 and
apo B. The
apo A/B ratio rose, thus improving the atherosclerotic index. No deterioration of
glucose tolerance or immunoreactive
insulin response to
glucose was seen after 6 months of
bopindolol administration.
Bopindolol satisfactorily modifies not only resting but also exercise BP during isometric and isotonic load, thus reducing BP fluctuation during physical activities of the hypertensive patient. The
drug exerts no effect on renal and liver function, electrolyte balance and hematologic parameters.
Bopindolol is a very useful
drug of first choice in mild and moderate
hypertension.
Bopindolol's main advantages include its prolonged action, good tolerance and a beneficial effect on risk factors of
atherosclerosis (
lipid and carbohydrate metabolism).