USEFULNESS OF AMLODIPINE FOR ANGINA-PECTORIS

Calcium antagonists are effective antianginal agents in the treatment of patients with stable exercise-induced angina pectoris. A series of randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with the novel, on ce-daily calcium antagonist amlodipine have been completed in a large number of patients with stable exercise-induced angina pectoris. Compa red with placebo, once-daily amlodipine demonstrated a significant dos e-related extension in exercise duration and work-load accomplished, a nd reduction in number of anginal attacks and associated glyceryl trin itrate consumption. The clinical antianginal attributes of imlodipine were accompanied by significant reductions in electrocardiographic evi dence of myocardial ischemia. In comparison with other antianginal dru gs, once-daily amlodipine at a dosage range of 5-10 mg demonstrated an tianginal activity comparable to thrice-daily diltiazem and once-daily nadolol. Amlodipine administered once daily achieves symptomatic and electrocardiographic amelioration of myocardial ischemic episodes indu ced by exercise in the majority of patients with stable angina pectori s. Amlodipine does not depress left ventricular pumping activity, and its side-effect profile does not differ substantially from that of pla cebo.