The correlation between the beta receptor blocking activity of pindolol and plasma level was studied in 8 subjects after a 10-mg oral dose. Exercise tachycardia was markedly reduced over a period of at least 6 hr. Significant effects were recorded 30 min after the drug. For each individual there was a close correlation between log plasma level and beta blockade. The regression lines were parallel as shown by analysis of covariance; the intercepts, however, were significantly different. It can be concluded that there is a correlation between plasma level and beta adrenergic blockade by pindolol, but the data failed to establish in different individuals the blood levels necessary to achieve effective adrenergic blockade.

One hundred and twenty-five patients with symptoms of heartburn and acid regurgitation but without endoscopic abnormalities were randomized to receive 200 mg cimetidine suspension four times daily or placebo for two weeks. Daily diary cards were kept to evaluate the frequency and degree of symptoms. At two weeks cimetidine was significantly more effective than placebo. It is concluded that placebo suspension has a considerable effect on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms, but cimetidine suspension provides significantly better relief.

Schubring et al., Oxygen consumption, heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature Original articles J. Perinat. Med. 4(1976) 72 Oxygen consumption, heart rate, respiratory rate aiid rectal temperature in healthy newborns during the first two hours after birth Ch. Schubring, C. F. Michel, W. Hobel With the assistance of

No abstract

In a double-blind, randomised trial two drug regimens were compared in a group of 129 patients with uncomplicated duodenal ulcers, 64 receiving cimetidine (800 mg) and pirenzepine (50 mg) at bed-time, 65 receiving cimetidine (800 mg) and a placebo at bed-time. Neither statistically nor clinically was there an important difference in effectiveness and tolerance between the two drug regimens.