EFFICACY OF ANIPAMIL, A PHENYLALKYLAMINE CALCIUM-ANTAGONIST, IN TREATMENT OF ANGINA-PECTORIS

To evaluate the efficacy of anipamil, a phenylalkylamine calcium antag onist, in treatment of stable angina pectoris, we performed a randomiz ed, double blind placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Inclusion crite ria were (a) stable angina pectoris for at least 2 months, (b) an exer cise test with greater than or equal to 0.1-mV horizontal or downslopi ng ST-segment depression limited by angina, and (c) at least 10 attack s of angina pectoris in a single-blind 3-week run-in period. Nineteen patients were randomized to enter the study. In 3-week periods, they r eceived either anipamil 80 mg once daily (o.d.), anipamil 160 mg o.d., or placebo. At the end of each period, an exercise test was performed . The number of angina pectoris attacks was significantly reduced duri ng treatment with anipamil 80 mg (p < 0.05) and anipamil 160 mg (p < 0 .001) as compared with placebo. Glycerol nitrate consumption was signi ficantly reduced during treatment with anipamil 80 mg (p < 0.01) and 1 60 mg (p < 0.001) as compared with placebo. During exercise testing, t he load (W) at start of angina was significantly increased during trea tment with anipamil 80 mg (p < 0.01) and 160 mg (p < 0.05) as compared with placebo. Heart rate (HR) at 0.1 mV ST-segment depression was inc reased during treatment with anipamil 80 mg (p < 0.001). Few adverse e vents were reported.