[Action of indoprofen on atrio-ventricular conduction. Preliminary note]. / Azione dell'indoprofene sulla conduzione atrio-ventricolare. Note preliminari.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the possible electrophysiological effects of Indoprophene, a new non steroidal analgesic anti-inflammatory agent, which might be employed in the treatment of chest-pain from myocardial ischemia. Ten patient, who were undergoing a electrophysiological study for diagnostic purposes, were given 400 mg of indoprophene by intravenous rapid bolus. The A-V conduction times were recorded in basic condition and 30 minutes after administration of the drug. The data we collected show that Indoprophene does not influences either normal or prolonged A-V conduction times. We conclude that the drug, as it has a good effect on pain and lacks haemodynamic consequences and effects on conduction and excitability, is recommendable for the treatment of chest-pain from myocardial ischemia.

Multicenter evaluation of mepindolol and of mepindolol plus hydrochlorothiazide in essential hypertension.

The effect on systolic (SAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial blood pressure of 5 mg mepindolol daily vs 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide daily vs 5 mg mepindolol plus 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide daily was evaluated in this multicenter study. After a 2-week washout period with placebo, 138 patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension (WHO Class I and II), homogeneous for age and blood pressure values, were randomly allocated to one of the three treatment groups. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate were obtained at the beginning and at the end of the washout placebo period, and after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of active treatment. At the beginning and at the end of the study, all patients underwent a thorough clinical and laboratory evaluation, including blood chemistry, electrocardiogram, and chest roentgenogram. A trend toward normalization of blood pressure was defined as a lowering of DAP to 90 mmHg or at least a 10-mmHg decrease from the control value. Statistical analysis was performed on all the data. After 6 weeks of treatment, SAP and DAP values were significantly reduced in 67% of the patients in all groups. In 71% of patients on mepindolol plus hydrochlorothiazide a particularly more marked decrease in DAP was observed. Mepindolol was well tolerated: side effects were generally mild and inconsequential. The results show that mepindolol, given as a single oral dose of 5 mg, is an effective agent in the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension. Because of its efficacy, the advantage of single daily administration, and lack of important side effects, it can increase compliance to therapy. Moreover the association of mepindolol plus hydrochlorothiazide appears to be safe and effective.