[The ability of captopril to enhance the anti-anginal effect of isosorbide dinitrate in patients with stable exercise-induced angina pectoris].

The interaction between isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril was investigated in 14 patients with coronary heart disease concurrent with stable exercise-induced angina pectoris. The efficacy of placebo, ISDN, 10 mg, captopril, 50-100 mg, and ISDN + captopril was evaluated in each patient by pharmacodynamic treadmill studies. The single-blind, randomized technique was applied. Captopril alone produced a weak antianginal effect. The concomitant use of ISDN and captopril showed significantly more marked and prolonged effects than ISDN alone. The highest effect was exhibited by ISDN supplemented with captopril in 6 patients who had been refractory to ISDN alone. Thus, captopril may potentiate the antianginal effect of ISDN.