Ergometric and hemodynamic studies on a new cardiotonic agent AR-L 115 BS.

The cardiotonic agent, 2-[(2-methoxy-4-methylsulfinyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol[4,5-b]pyridine (AR-L 115BS), increases cardiac contractility and lowers cardiac pre- and afterload. These properties were shown to favourably influence hemodynamics at rest and under exercise in patients with coronary heart disease and angina pectoris. Although it reduces pre- and afterload, unlike isosorbide dinitrate it does not improve exercise tolerance in symptom limited ergometry. There was, however, no worsening of exercise tolerance. It appears that the decrease in oxygen consumption due to a decreased pre- and afterload is compensated for by an increase in oxygen requirement during contractility.