Slow-release gallopamil in patients with stable effort angina

Gallopamil (GSR) is a new calcium-channel blocker. The anti-ischemic activity of GSR was investigated in 12 patients with stable angina of effort, with fixed ischemic threshold (variations < 15%). After a 7-day washout period, patients were randomized to receive treatment with either GSR 100 mg or placebo twice daily for 7 days. Patients underwent maximal symptom-limited exercise test, 10 W/min on a bicycle, during washout (twice) and after the end of each treatment period. Patients were studied by electrocardiogram and the cuff method for determining systolic blood pressure. After treatment with GSR, ischemic and anginal thresholds were increased for at least 12 h in comparison with placebo (ischemic threshold: GSR 663 +/- 37, placebo 571 +/- 36, p < 0.01; anginal threshold: GSR 708 +/- 32, placebo 646 +/- 38, p < 0.05). Rate-pressure product was not changed at the same levels of exercise, but it was significantly increased during exercise at ischemic threshold. In conclusion, GSR possesses an anti-ischemic and antianginal activity lasting at least 12 h. This activity seems due to an increase of coronary blood flow to ischemic areas.