[Selection of therapy with nitrates in patients with stable effort angina: results of comparative study of common isosorbide dinitrate and long acting preparation of isosorbide-5-mononitrate].

AIM: To assess efficacy and tolerability of a novel drug form of isosorbide-5-mononitrate in patients with ischemic heart disease and stable effort angina as compared with common isosorbide dinitrate pills. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with stable class II-III effort angina (n=30) were included into a randomized crossover study in which they received isosorbide dinitrate (nitrosorbide, 10-20 mg t.i.d.) and long acting isosorbide-5-mononitrate (ephox-long, 50-100 mg o.d.) for 3 weeks each. Efficacy of treatment was assessed by clinical data and treadmill exercise tests. Questionnaires were used for registration of frequency and intensity of attacks of headache. RESULTS: The use of both isosorbide dinitrate and 5-mononitrate was associated with significant improvements of exercise tolerance however effect of mononitrate lasted longer. Nitroglycerine requirement diminished during first week of use of both drugs and remained on this level by the end of 3-rd week of treatment with mononitrate but substantially rose by the end of treatment with dinitrate. Number of attacks of headache increased during first week of treatment with both drugs, became even higher by the end of use of dinitrate and decreased by the end of use of mononitrate. CONCLUSION: Long acting form of isosorbide-5-mononitrate ephox-long taken once daily provides sufficient antianginal effect throughout a day and is better tolerated than nitrosorbide preparation of isosorbide dinitrate with moderately prolonged activity.