Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Acetylcholine Re-Challenge After Intracoronary Nitroglycerine Administration
Published on: April 4, 2022
Antagonist molecules in the treatment of angina
Ashish K Gupta1, David Winchester, Carl J Pepine
1University of Florida, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine , 1600 SW Archer Road, P.O. Box 100277, Gainesville, FL 32610-0277 , USA.
Introduction:
Management of chronic angina has evolved dramatically in the last few decades with several options for pharmacotherapy outlined in various evidence-based guidelines.
Areas Covered:
There is a growing list of drugs that are currently being investigated for treatment of chronic angina. These also include several herbal medications, which are now being scientifically evaluated as potential alternative or even adjunctive therapy for angina. Gene- and cell-based therapies have opened yet another avenue for management of chronic refractory angina in 'no-option' patients who are not candidates for either percutaneous or surgical revascularization and are on optimal medical therapy. An extensive review of literature using PUBMED, Cochrane database, clinical trial databases of the USA and European Union was done and summarized in this review. This review will attempt to discuss the traditional as well as novel therapeutic agents for angina.
Expert Opinion:
Several pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic options are now available for treatment and management of chronic refractory angina. Renewed interest in traditional therapies and cell- and gene-based modalities with targeted drug delivery systems will open the doors for personalized therapy for patients with chronic refractory angina.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Angina IV: Management
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...
Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of ɑ-Receptor Blockers
Nonselective α-blockers: Nonselective α-blockers contain haloalkylamine or imidazoline moieties. Phenoxybenzamine, with a haloalkylamine...
Drug-Receptor Interaction: Antagonist
Antagonists can be classified as competitive or noncompetitive based on their...
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of ɑ-Receptor Blockers
α1-blockers: These drugs inhibit α1-adrenoceptors on smooth muscle cells, resulting in vasodilation. This vasodilation lowers blood pressure, making α1-blockers valuable in treating hypertension. Additionally, α1-blockers effectively address urinary obstruction...

