title: Efficacy and safety of sustained-release diltiazem in stable angina pectoris.
abstract: The safety and efficacy of a sustained-release preparation of diltiazem (diltiazem-SR), with dose levels of 240 and 360 mg/day, were assessed in 18 patients with stable angina of effort. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover protocol was used. Diltiazem-SR, when given twice daily, reduced the frequency of weekly anginal attacks from 9.3 +/- 10.4 with placebo to 3.7 +/- 4.7 with 240 mg/day and to 3.1 +/- 4.7 with 360 mg/day (both p less than 0.01 compared with placebo). Treadmill time was increased from 410 +/- 180 seconds during the placebo phase to 519 +/- 177 seconds during the 240-mg/day dose and to 506 +/- 182 seconds during the 360-mg/day dose of diltiazem-SR (both p less than 0.01 compared with placebo). The time to the onset of angina and ischemic ST-segment depression were similarly prolonged by both doses of diltiazem-SR. The beneficial effects of diltiazem-SR appeared partly due to a reduction in the heart rate during submaximal exercise. Diltiazem-SR is effective and safe for the treatment of angina of effort when given twice daily.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001552:Benzazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004110:Diltiazem / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005080:Exercise Test; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011897:Random Allocation
chemical_list: D001552:Benzazepines; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004110:Diltiazem