Felodipine in addition to beta-adrenergic blockade for angina pectoris.A multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

• Published in: European heart journal 1995-11, Vol.16 (11), p.1535-1541
• Main Authors: RøNNEVIK, P. K., SILKE, B., øSTERGAARD, O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Angina pectoris; calcium antagonist; felodipinc
• ISSN: 0195-668X; 1522-9645
• DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.eurheartj.a060774

The additional efficacy, duration of action and tolerability of felodipine were evaluated in patients with stable angina pectoris and a positive stress test who were already receiving therapy with a beta-adrenergic blocker. One hundred and twenty-eight patients were randomized to double-blind treatment with 5–10 mg felodipine once daily or matching placebo, and were evaluated by serial exercise testing during 12 weeks of treatment. Felodipine at 4 h significantly increased exercise duration assessed after 4 weeks of treatment (increase 34 ±65 s vs 18±71 s in placebo-treated patients; 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.11; P=0.01), and after 12 weeks of treatment (increase 39 ± 103 s vs 3 ± 72 s; 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.16; P=0.02). The time until onset of exercise-induced anginal pain and time until 1 mm ST depression assessed after 4 weeks of treatment also increased significantly with felodipine compared to placebo. No statistically significant changes in exercise test parameters evaluated 24 h after medication were observed. The addition of felodipine once daily demonstrated a sustained improvement in exercise duration in patients symptomatic despite treatment with a beta-blocker evaluated 4 h after drug intake. At 24 h post dose, no statistically significant effect was observed. Felodipine is well tolerated with a low incidence of side-effects and no adverse effect on quality of life.