[Nisoldipine in comparison with long-term nitrates].

Nisoldipine represents a new attractive second generation calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine-class for the treatment of all types of coronary artery disease. The effect on chronic ischemia is comparable to long-acting nitrates, side-effects have been rarely observed. The advantages will be the high vascular selectivity with only slight negative inotropic effect as well as a long-lasting positive influence on the myocardial metabolism. Up to now, no studies have been reported which compare nisoldipine and long-acting nitrates directly, but this calcium antagonist appears to influence duration and intensity of symptomatic and silent episodes of ischemia similar to the nitrates.