Patient preference for Shexiang Baoxin Pill versus extended release Isosorbide 5-Mononitrate in elderly diabetic patients with angina pectoris / 中成药

ABSTRACT

AIM: To gain an insight into preference for elderly diabetic patients with angina pectoris between Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SXBXP) (Moschus, Radix Ginseng, Calculus Bovis, etc.) and Extended Release Isosorbide 5-Mononitrate (ERIM). METHODS: Followed a two-week run-in, 56 elderly patients were randomized to take SXBXP 2 pills tid or ERIM 60 mg qd for 4 weeks; then followed a two-week wash-out, patients crossed over to the complementary therapy for another 4 weeks. Daily diary cards were used to record the side effects, the frequency of angina pectoris attacks and use of rescue medication. At the end of the study, participants were asked to complete a 3-item scale questionary to assess their angina pectoris treatment in terms of convenience, side effects and overall preference. RESULTS: No treatment difference in the frequency of angina pectoris attacks and use of rescue medication was found; 71.4% of patients thought use of SXBXP was the same convenient as that of ERIM; patients felt SXBXP had side effects fewer than ERIM and overall 75% of patients preferred SXBXP. CONCLUSION: Elderly diabetic patients with angina pectoris prefer SXBXP to ERIM.