Open comparative study to assess the efficacy and safety of two calcium antagonists, amlodipine and diltiazem, in the treatment of symptomatic myocardial ischaemia.

Abstract

Patients with symptomatic myocardial ischaemia received amlodipine (once daily) or diltiazem (three times daily) for 10 weeks. Amlodipine and diltiazem showed comparable efficacy in reducing angina attack rates and glyceryl trinitrate consumption. Amlodipine produced a significantly greater reduction in the mean rate pressure product. Both drugs were well tolerated with only mild side effects occurring at the higher doses. In two cases, side effects were also reported at the lower dose of diltiazem (30 mg three times daily); none occurred with the 5-mg daily dose of amlodipine. In the overall clinical assessment, efficacy of amlodipine was considered excellent in 100% of cases as compared with 40% for diltiazem. Amlodipine is clearly effective when administered once daily for the treatment of myocardial ischaemia.