A double-blind evaluation of amlodipine in patients with chronic, stable angina: sustained efficacy and lack of "withdrawal phenomenon" upon abrupt discontinuation.
To date, the clinical utility of first-generation, shortacting calcium antagonists has not been optimal due to their multiple dosing requirements. This has led to poor compliance in some patients. In this study, the safety and efficacy of a new generation dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, amlodipine (5-10 mg once daily) were evaluated in patients with chronic, stable angina pectoris. Amlodipine monotherapy was given to 226 patients over an 8-week, single-blind period, and the responders (> or = 7% improvement in exercise time) then underwent a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind withdrawal phase, lasting for a further 4 weeks. Amlodipine was shown to be both effective and well-tolerated in patients with chronic, stable angina pectoris. There was no evidence for the development of tolerance to amlodipine over a total of 3 months and there did not appear to be any significant problems (of the type noted with abrupt beta-blocker cessation) associated with its withdrawal.
Mehta
J L
JL
Division of Cardiology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
Lopez
L M
LM
D017311:Amlodipine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome
D017311:Amlodipine