CLONIDINE EFFECT IN CHRONIC ANGINA-PECTORIS - DOUBLE-BLIND, CROSSOVER TRIAL ON 60 PATIENTS

Abstract

Increased adrenergic activity, often manifested in chronic angina, is likely to influence adversely the course of the disease. Since clonidine (CL) inhibits the adrenergic nervous system, the effectiveness of small doses of CL in chronic angina was studied in a double-blind crossover study on 60 patients suffering at least 5 coronary pains/wk in spite of routine medication. CL was given orally in a dose of 2 .times. 75 .mu.g/day for 2 wk. Reduction in frequency of coronary pains by at least 50% was seen in 53.7% of patients, total nitroglycerin consumption decreased from 322-174 tablets/wk and ergometric performance increased from 168-283 W .times. min patient. Urinary excretion of adrenaline [epinephrine] and noradrenaline [norepinephrine] diminished. Blood pressure and heart rate were not considerably changed. Mild and transient side effects occurred in 10 patients, 9 of them completed the trail. Apparently CL in low doses is effective and safe in patients with chronic angina, presumably in alleviating adrenergic strain.