Treatment of stable angina pectoris with Verapamil hydrochloride: a double blind cross-over study

Verapamil hydrochloride, a calcium antagonist, has been recommended for the treatment of angina pectoris. The effectiveness of 3 × 120 mg verapamil was tested in 33 male patients with stable angina pectoris. The drug reduced the incidence of anginal episodes from 15 (1–98) to two (0–85) in four weeks (median, range); P < 0.01. The nitroglycerin consumption was similarly reduced. Exercise tolerance on a bicycle ergometer improved on the average by 10 W(P < 0.05). No side effects were observed. It is concluded that verapamil is an effective drug in the treatment of stable angina pectoris.