[The effect of time and dosage of isosorbide mononitrate on objective and subjective parameters in angina pectoris]

The efficacy of the isosorbide mononitrate preparations ISMN-20 (elantan 20) and ISMN-50 (elantan long) and the influence of the time of dosage on the quality of life was investigated in 3624 patients with the clinical diagnosis coronary heart disease and stable angina pectoris in an open multi-center trial. The frequency of attacks was significantly reduced (p less than 0.001) during 4 weeks of therapy. 35.4% of patients were free from attacks by the end of the trial. Consumption of acute nitrates decreased from an average of 5 to 2 applications per week. Circadian rhythm in the patients' profile of attacks remained unchanged under mononitrate therapy which allows the conclusion that this therapy is well adapted to the daily routine. The times of dosage of ISMN-20 (in the morning and at lunch-time or in the morning and in the evening) both had an identically good effect on the reduction of the attacks at night. ISMN-20 as well as ISMN-50 proved to provide efficient protection at night. After 4 weeks of therapy 86% of the patients showed an improvement of the loads of daily routine (climbing stairs, fast walking etc.). 71% noted an improvement in former limited recreational activities and 76.5% a relief concerning former limited activities in their job. 79.6% of patients felt an improvement of their quality of life by the mononitrate treatment. 70.8% of study patients were motivated for a consequent long-term therapy with the mononitrate with priority for the sustained release preparation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)