We have compared the beta-adrenoceptor blocking and antihypertensive effects of chronic once daily treatment with conventional metoprolol 200 mg, two 'long-acting' formulations of metoprolol 200 mg and atenolol 100 mg in a cross-over study in 12 hypertensive patients concurrently receiving diuretic therapy. The peak effects of all compounds were similar, with significant reductions in exercise heart rate and blood pressure. Twenty-four hours after dosing only atenolol treatment was consistently associated with a reduction in both exercise heart rate (P less than 0.001) and blood pressure (P less than 0.02) when compared with placebo. Once daily treatment of hypertension with metoprolol, even in 'long-acting' formulations, cannot be recommended because of waning antihypertensive effect which would be missed at routine clinic attendance. Metoprolol should be prescribed twice daily in hypertension. So-called long-acting formulations do not always confer benefits over conventional dose forms.