[The classic anti-anginal agents and molsidomine]

In the face of the recent introduction of beta-blockers and calcium inhibitors, the author examines the role of Amiodarone, Perhexiline and Molsidomine in the treatment of angina pectoris. Amiodarone, introduced in 1967, remains a very useful anti-anginal drug. The beta and alpha-sympathetic inhibition it produces, makes it effective in effort and resting angina. It is particularly useful in anginal patients with arrhythmias as it has a potent anti-arrhythmic effect at all levels. It can be used in patients with bronchial asthma, in elderly patients and in cardiac failure. However, it may give risk to hypo or hyperthyroidism and so, should not be used in patients with a history or thyroid disorders. Perhexiline has been used in France since 1973 and is a second-line drug to be used in cases of intolerance or contraindications to other anti-anginal drugs. It is effective but may cause severe, undesirable hepatic and neurological complications. These side effects are however rare at low doses. Molsidomine, a more recent molecule, has an action similar to that of the nitrate derivatives: it mainly reduces left ventricular preload. It has a slower onset of action than the classical nitrate derivatives but its duration of action seems to be longer; Molsidomine and betablockade can be a useful therapeutic association.