Perhexiline maleate in the treatment of angina pectoris. Five years of personal clinical experience.

A five-year personal experience of the use of perhexiline maleate (Pexid) in the treatment of severe angina pectoris is presented. Ninety-four patients, all severely incapacitated by cardiac pain, received perhexiline maleate for an average period of 12.2 months. Perhexiline maleate was used either alone or, more commonly, in conjuction with other antianginal therapy, such as beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents. The results demonstrate that perhexiline maleate is a very effective agent which appears to be safe for long-term usage. Side effects have been frequent, and occasionally bothersome, but all have been transient and dose-dependent. The possibility that the regimens of treatment may materially improve long-term prognosis is raised.