A comparison of the effect of enalapril and metoprolol on renal function, potassium balance, lipid profile, cardiac function, exercise tolerance and quality of life in hypertensive dialysis patients.

26 patients with hypertension while on hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for end-stage renal diseases were treated first with enalapril and then changed to metoprolol. Both drugs were shown to be similarly effective in controlling blood pressure. There was no difference between the two drugs in their effects on renal function, potassium balance, lipid profile, cardiac function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life. Mild worsening of anemia was observed during treatment with enalapril. No serious side effects were reported. Use of enalapril is safe in the treatment of hypertension in dialysis patients.