A clinical evaluation of sustained release metoprolol durules in the treatment of angina pectoris

A clinical comparison of the sustained release form of metoprolol, consisting of a 200 mg metoprolol durule, with 100 mg conventional metoprolol twice daily, has been carried out to assess the therapeutic control of ten patients with stable angina pectoris. Objective measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG recordings were assessed during exercise on a bicycle ergometer. Ten patients completed the 8-week double-blind study. There were similar changes in heart rate and blood pressure at rest and during exercise, both at 2 h and at 12 and 24 h postdose. Although similar exercise tolerance was achieved on both regimes, there was significantly less ST-segment depression at 24 h post durule, in comparison with the 12 h post conventional metoprolol reading, suggesting that metoprolol durules produce a more effective reduction in the degree of myocardial ischemia.