Combination therapy with nicardipine and beta-adrenergic blockade for angina pectoris.
Nicardipine a second-generation dihidropyridine calcium antagonist, has been approved in oral formulation for use in the United States, and is under review for parenteral use. Nicardipine is the most vascular-selective agent of this class currently approved and should, on theoretical grounds, be ideal for combination therapy with beta-adrenergic blocking agents. Studies have shown that the combination of nicardipine and beta-blocking agents offers additional efficacy over monotherapy with either agent alone. The hemodynamic profile of combination therapy appears to be especially favorable in patients with diminished left ventricular function needing therapy with agents of both classes. Adverse effects are few and may be improved compared with other agents of the dihidropyridine class.
Department of Medicine, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile.
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Lambert
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D009529:Nicardipine / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D009529:Nicardipine