Effectiveness of bevantolol in the treatment of angina--a placebo-controlled study

The antianginal efficacy and safety of bevantolol was compared with placebo in 107 patients with angina pectoris of effort. The median frequency of angina attacks in these patients was 6 per week. Following a 6-week placebo-baseline phase, the patients were randomly assigned to groups receiving either 150 or 300 mg/day bevantolol (75 or 150 mg b.i.d.) or placebo for 6 weeks of double-blind treatment. During exercise tolerance testing at 2 hours postdose, the higher dose of bevantolol produced a marked increase in total work performed. Double product (HR X Systolic BP) at maximum common work load decreased significantly (p less than 0.001) in both bevantolol groups compared with the placebo group. In patients receiving 300 mg/day bevantolol, the proportion who stopped exercising because of angina or S-T depression decreased from 97% to 65%; the frequency of angina attacks decreased by one-half or more in 77% of those with 3 or more attacks per week; and 90% had an improvement in capacity to perform usual daily and occupational activities. A significant therapeutic effect was still present 12 hours postdose. Bevantolol was safe; fewer adverse reactions occurred in either drug group than in the placebo group. Bevantolol appeared to be an effective, well-tolerated drug in the management of angina pectoris.