Efficacy and safety of nebivolol in Hispanics with stage I-II hypertension: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: Hispanics have lower rates of hypertension control compared with black and white patients. Nebivolol is a vasodilatory β1-selective blocker, with neutral metabolic effects. This phase IV trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of nebivolol in Hispanics with stage I-II hypertension. METHODS: Self-identified Hispanics with stage I-II hypertension were randomized to receive a double-blind treatment: placebo (n = 136) or nebivolol (n = 141, starting dose 5 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Nebivolol dosage could be uptitrated at 2-week intervals to 10, 20, or 40 mg/day, as needed to achieve diastolic blood pressure (DBP) control (JNC7 criteria). Efficacy outcome measures were the mean changes from baseline to the end of week 8 in trough-seated DBP (primary) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (secondary). Safety and tolerability were also assessed. RESULTS: Baseline SBP/DBP (mmHg) was similar in both treatment groups (nebivolol: 156/100; placebo: 157/101). A total of 135 (96%) and 121 (89%) nebivolol- and placebo-treated participants completed the double-blind phase, respectively. Compared with the placebo, nebivolol treatment was associated with significant mean reductions in both trough-seated DBP and SBP (DBP: -11.1 mmHg vs. -7.3 mmHg, p < 0.0001; SBP: -14.1 mmHg vs. -9.3 mmHg; p = 0.001). Treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) rates were 17% (nebivolol) and 22% (placebo); the most frequent TEAEs were headache (4% vs. 6%, respectively), upper respiratory tract infection (2% vs. 2%), and dizziness (1% vs. 3%). CONCLUSIONS: In Hispanics with stage I-II hypertension, 8-week nebivolol monotherapy resulted in significant reductions in blood pressure. The safety and tolerability profile of nebivolol was similar to that of placebo.