Comparison of clinical effects of propranolol (Inderal) with once daily slow-release oxprenolol (Slow Trasicor) in angina pectoris.

In a double-blind, crossover, randomized study, the therapeutic effectiveness of a single daily dose of slow-release oxprenolol (160 mg/day) was compared with a conventional dosage schedule of propranolol (40 mg three times daily) in eighteen patients with uncomplicated, stable exercise-induced angina pectoris. Compared to control values both drugs produced equipotent reduction in the frequency and severity of anginal attacks accompanied by a significant increase in exercise tolerance, a significant suppression of exercising heart rate and an appreciable reduction in the electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial ischaemia when tested on a treadmill. The possible advantages offered by a single dose treatment with slow-release oxprenolol are discussed.