Comparative efficacy of lotensin vs Capoten in patients with chronic cardiac failure

Aim. To compare clinical response to captopril (capoten) vs benazepril (lotensin) in patients with chronic cardiac failure (CCF) as well as their influence on central hemodynamics, some indices of platelet hemostasis, myocardial ischemia degree, exercise tolerance. Material and methods. 54 patients with CCF (NYHA FC II and III) entered the trial. 26 patients received captopril (capoten) in a dose 25-75 mg/day (group 1) while 28patients were given benazepril (lotensin) in a dose 5-30 mg/day for 4 weeks (group 2). Group II was treated for the following 24 weeks. The results were assessed with electro- and echocardiography, bicycle exercise test, platelet aggregation measurement and by clinical symptoms. Results. A positive clinical response was registered to both the drugs which improved the functional class, exercise tolerance, platelet aggregation, reduced the number of arrhythmia and myocardial ischemia episodes. Long-term treatment with lotensin resulted in further improvement of clinical and laboratory indices. Side effects, in which lotensin discontinuation is needed, were absent. Lotensin was more potent than capoten in reducing episodes of ST epression on ECG and episodes of painless myocardial ischemia.