ST 567 (alinidine) in stable angina: a comparison with metoprolol

Alinidine, a drug which reduces heart rate without depressing myocardial function was compared against metoprolol, a beta-blocking drug, in the treatment of stable angina pectoris in a double-blind cross-over trial. It was found that both drugs reduced anginal attacks and nitroglycerine consumption to a comparable degree. Exercise tolerance did not appear to be improved by either drug yet chest pain at ergometry was postponed by both drugs. In the doses used metoprolol was more effective in restraining heart rate, both at rest and even more during exertion. Both drugs were well tolerated and side-effects were few. It seems probable that the optimal dose of alinidine was not used in this trial and that the dosage could have been higher.