Comparative efficacy of nicardipine hydrochloride and atenolol in the treatment of chronic stable angina

1 The efficacy and safety of nicardipine, 30 mg three times a day, were compared with atenolol, 100 mg once daily in a randomised, double-blind, 11-week, crossover study of 46 patients with stable angina pectoris. 2 Both drugs significantly decreased the frequency of angina and improved total exercise time, time to angina, and time to 1 mm ST-segment depression. No statistically significant differences were observed between nicardipine and atenolol in clinical responses or treadmill performance. 3 At maximum workload, the double product decreased significantly in patients taking atenolol and did not change in those using nicardipine. 4 During treatment with atenolol, statistically significant decreases were observed in heart rate and QTc interval; these parameters increased minimally on nicardipine. 5 The incidence and severity of adverse experiences associated with each treatment were similar and did not interfere with the study. The two major adverse experiences, myocardial infarction and sudden death, occurred only in patients receiving atenolol. 6 Nicardipine therapy compared favourably with atenolol therapy in patients with angina pectoris.