title: Isosorbide dinitrate or nifedipine: which is preferable in the medical therapy of achalasia?
abstract: Oesophageal motor activity was recorded manometrically with a low compliance system in 16 patients with achalasia and a slightly dilated oesophagus. After a basal recording period, nifedipine 20 mg was given sublingually to 9 patients and isosorbide dinitrate 5 mg to another 7 patients. Lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (LESp) and oesophageal body pressure wave amplitude were measured for 60 min after drug administration. Both drugs decreased LESp and pressure wave amplitude, but the effect of isosorbide dinitrate was faster and more intense than that of nifedipine. There was a lower inhibitory effect of nifedipine on the amplitude of pressure waves than on LESp, while isosorbide dinitrate inhibited with a similar intensity both LESp and pressure waves.
authors.affiliation: Divisione di Gastroenterologia, Ospedale Galliera, Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bortolotti
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Coccia
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Brunelli
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sarti
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazza
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bagnato
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Barbara
mesh_terms: D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007548:Isosorbide Dinitrate / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011312:Pressure; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D009543:Nifedipine; D007548:Isosorbide Dinitrate