Bevantolol is a new beta-adrenoceptor antagonist which possesses a relatively high degree of selectivity for beta 1-adrenoceptors. It is devoid of intrinsic sympathomimetic activity and possesses only weak local anaesthetic properties. Interestingly, bevantolol has been shown to cause a lowering effect on peripheral vascular resistance. Available clinical data indicate that bevantolol, given once or twice daily, is an effective agent in the management of mild to moderate hypertension and stable angina pectoris. In hypertension bevantolol has been shown to be of comparable therapeutic efficacy to both atenolol and propranolol, while in patients with angina pectoris the drug compared favourably with atenolol. During short and long term administration bevantolol has been well tolerated and few patients have withdrawn from treatment because of adverse effects. However, although the properties of bevantolol may offer theoretical advantages in some patients, only a few comparative studies have been reported, and thus it is presently unclear what advantages bevantolol may offer over existing treatments for hypertension or angina pectoris.