Carvedilol and nitrendipine were given for 12 weeks in a double-blind study to 81 elderly patients (greater than or equal to 60 years) with essential hypertension. The effects on blood pressure were measured (Riva Rocci) before medication and after 2 h with the patient in a lying and standing position after 4 weeks of placebo therapy as well as after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. Carvedilol (25 mg/o.d.) reduced blood pressure measured in the supine and erect position very successfully, similar to the reduction achieved with nitrendipine (20 mg/o.d.), without influencing the pulse rate. Both substances were well tolerated. Carvedilol is an alternative substance for lowering high blood pressure in elderly hypertensive patients.