Cardiovascular drugs in human mechanical nociception: digoxin, amlodipine, propranolol, pindolol and atenolol

Invest Clin. 2010 Mar;51(1):77-86.

Abstract

Calcium channel blockers, beta adrenergic receptor blockers and Na/K ATPase inhibitors are widely used drugs, mainly for cardiovascular diseases. Their pharmacological targets are not restricted to the cardivascular tissue, nociceptive system structures also express similar targets, which strongly suggests a direct effect on pain sensation. To evaluate the pain intensity changes in outpatient groups, who receive these drugs as a therapy, a cross-sectional sampled, randomized patient groups receiving the calcium channel blocker amlodipine for blood hypertension (n=45), beta adrenergic receptor blockers (propranolol, atenolol or pindolol; n=40) for blood hypertension, or digoxin (n=40) for heart failure, were compared to an aparently healthy volunteers control group (n=60). A calibrated noxious pressure of 890 g/mm2 was applied for 5 seconds on the patient's sternum. Subjective pain intensity was reported by the visual analog scale (VAS, 0 to 10). Pain modulation system was evaluated by the application of a second stimulus with a 5 minutes delay. The analgesic effect of the beta blockers group (propanolol, atenolol, pindolol) was dosage-dependant (-36.8%; P = 0.0000003), without differences among them. The calcium channel blocker amlodipine showed lower pain scores (-50.6%; P = 0.0000003) than beta-receptor blockers (P = 0.0000003). Digoxin presented the highest pain scores (+56.5%; P = 0.0000003). All pain scores for the second stimulus were lower than the first stimulus and were differentially affected by beta-blockers (atenolol, pindolol and propanolol) and calcium channel blocker (amlodipine), but not by digoxin. These results suggest the influence of widely clinically used cardiovascular drugs on nociception.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amlodipine / pharmacology
  • Atenolol / pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Digoxin / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nociceptors / drug effects*
  • Pindolol / pharmacology
  • Propranolol / pharmacology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Amlodipine
  • Atenolol
  • Digoxin
  • Propranolol
  • Pindolol