Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026

Contractions of Human-iPSC-derived Cardiomyocyte Syncytia Measured with a Ca-sensitive Fluorescent Dye in Temperature-controlled 384-well Plates
Published on: October 18, 2018
The daylong pattern of the antianginal effect of long-term three times daily administered isosorbide dinitrate
1Jerusalem Heart Clinic of Kupat Holim, Israel.
Insights
Three times daily isosorbide dinitrate provides a daylong antianginal effect, though tolerance may develop. This dosing schedule helps manage exertional angina by improving exercise duration.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Isosorbide dinitrate is a common antianginal medication.
- Tolerance to isosorbide dinitrate can limit its effectiveness with frequent dosing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the daylong pattern of antianginal effects of three times daily isosorbide dinitrate.
- To assess the efficacy of this dosing regimen in patients with stable exertional angina.
Main Methods:
- Eight men with stable exertional angina participated.
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted.
- Treadmill exercise tests were performed at various times after medication or placebo administration.
Main Results:
- The 8 AM dose of isosorbide dinitrate increased exercise duration by 200 seconds, but effects diminished by 11 AM.
- The 1 PM dose also increased exercise duration, with effects returning to baseline within 2 hours.
- A trend towards diminished response was observed throughout the day.
Conclusions:
- Three times daily isosorbide dinitrate demonstrates a daylong antianginal effect.
- Tolerance to isosorbide dinitrate may develop, impacting its sustained efficacy throughout the day.
Abstract:
Three times daily administration of isosorbide dinitrate may avoid much of the tolerance seen with more frequent dosing. To determine the daylong pattern of the antianginal effect of three times daily isosorbide dinitrate, eight men with stable exertional angina and a positive exercise test were studied. The subjects had demonstrated increased exercise duration in response to oral isosorbide dinitrate therapy and absence of complete tolerance to long-term three times daily isosorbide dinitrate. Treadmill exercise to onset of angina was performed over 2 days at 8 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM and 7 PM. On one day each patient received isosorbide dinitrate at 8 AM, 1 PM and 6 PM in a previously titrated dose (mean 27.5 mg), which had been taken three times daily for at least 2 weeks. On the other day at the same hours each patient received double blind a placebo identical in appearance to isosorbide dinitrate. One hour after the 8 AM dose of isosorbide dinitrate, mean systolic blood pressure at rest had fallen by 19 mm Hg and mean exercise time to angina increased by 200 s. However, by 11 AM exercise time had returned to control level. One hour after the 1 PM dose of isosorbide dinitrate, exercise time increased by a mean of 150 s but was again at control level 2 h later.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Related Concept Videos
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers
Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers
Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow. Administered...
Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine
CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...
Angina II: Classification
Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
Angina IV: Management

