Sotalol in angina pectoris. A double-blind study

The effect of sotalol, a beta-adrenergic blocking drug, on the frequency of angina pectoris attacks and on exercise tolerance was evaluated by a double-blind cross-over study in 30 selected patients suffering from stable angina pectoris. Sotalol significantly reduced the mean number of attacks of angina, the consumption of glyceryl trinitrate tablets and the pulse rate at rest and in response to exercise. Effort tolerance as judged by a suboptimal 2-step test was improved significantly, as was electrocardiographic response. A relatively moderate dose of sotalol, 320 mg per day (160 mg twice daily), was sufficient in 80% of the patients. Side-effects were negligible.