ANTIANGINAL EFFICACY OF SINGLE DOSES AND OF REGULAR USE OF NITROCOR AND SUSTAC IN PATIENTS WITH ANGINA-PECTORIS (RANDOMIZED PLACEBO-CONTROLLED CROSSOVER STUDY)

Efficacy of 2 forms of a new nitroglycerin micro granulated preparatio n (Nitrocor) manufactured in Russia was compared with that of sustaine d release nitroglycerin Sustac-Forte in 20 patients with effort angina (functional class II). Efficacy of single doses was determined by rep etitive exercise stress tests performed in 1 and 6 hours after each do se. Depending on the result of the exercise test single dose of Sustac and Nitrocor-6.5 mg could be increased up to 3 pills and of Nitrocor- 8 - up to 2 pills. Efficacy of long term treatment was assessed by cha nges in frequency of anginal attacks, requirement in nitroglycerin and results of exercise tests. Every patient received placebo for 1 month and then sequentially 3 study treatments (2 weeks each). Sequence of drugs (Sustac, Nitrocor-6.5 mg, Nitrocor-8 mg) was determined at rando m. Drugs were taken thrice a day in doses selected according to result s of initial exercise tests. At the end of each treatment period 2 exe rcise tests were performed - in 1 and 6 hours after last dose. Efficac y of both forms of Nitrocor was comparable to and by some parameters e ven exceeded that of Sustac. Efficacy of Nitrocor did not depend on th e form used (6.5 mg or 8 mg pills) but was related to the total single and daily doses of the drug. The results also showed that development of coronary steal syndrome and carry out effect was possible during N itrocor use.