[Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of propranolol vs celiprolol in stable effort angina: antianginal efficacy and side effects]

Abstract

A new cardioselective betablocker, celiprolol (C) in a dosage of 100 mg t.i.d. and propranolol (P) 40 mg t.i.d. were compared in 21 patients with angiographically documented obstructive coronary artery disease (stenosis of 75% or more in at least one vessel) and stable angina in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. C led to a significant reduction of anginal attacks and of nitroglycerin consumption (P less than 0.01), to a reduction of diastolic blood pressure (P less than 0.01) and heart rate (P less than 0.001) during rest and exercise. Under P, however, the number of anginal attacks and used nitroglycerin tablets was only slightly decreased, diastolic blood pressure remained constant and only heart rate was reduced significantly during rest and exercise (P less than 0.001). Total work performed was higher on drug treatment than on placebo (placebo: 238 +/- 21, celiprolol: 285 +/- 25, propranolol: 308 +/- 34 Watt/min). The difference against placebo is significant (p less than 0.01) with both drugs, but there is no difference between C and P. C led to a slight but constant decrease of triglycerides. Side effects were minor with both drugs.