Comparative effects of alinidine and propranolol in ischaemic heart disease

The effects of single oral doses of alinidine 40 mg, propranolol 40 mg or placebo during a maximal exercise test on a bicycle ergometer in patients with angina pectoris were studied in a randomised, double blind study. 2 and 5 h after drug intake a small fall in resting heart rate and systolic blood pressure was observed both after alinidine and propranolol. At a fixed work load both drugs decreased heart rate, systolic blood pressure, double product and the extent of ST segment depression. Total work performed and time to appearance of angina pectoris were increased 2 h alinidine and propranolol. The same effects were still apparent 5 h after propranolol but not after alinidine. At peak exercise neither drug had any effect on the extent of ischaemic ST segment depression.