Double-blind crossover clinical trial of oxyfedrine and propranolol in angina pectoris

The comparative efficacy and safety of oxyfedrine and propranolol in the management of angina pectoris was evaluated in a double-blind randomized cross-over study. Out of 21 patients registered, 14 completed the study. Three patients dropped out due to poor response and 4 were lost to follow up. Both the drugs i.e. oxyfedrine (8-24 mg three times a day) and propranolol (40-80 mg three times a day) produced a significant reduction in the incidence of anginal attacks and the consumption of nitroglycerine tablets. Propranolol produced a better response than oxyfedrine although the difference was not significant. This may be due to the small sample size. No change in heart rate and rate-pressure product was observed with oxyfedrine, in contrast to that seen with propranolol. The beneficial effect of treatment on exercise tolerance and ST-segment depression was more marked with propranolol. No significant change in laboratory parameters was observed with either drug.