Evolving strategies for the management of atrial fibrillation: the role of amiodarone
Article Abstract:
Low-dose amiodarone may be effective in patients who have serious atrial fibrillation that is resistant to other antiarrhythmic drugs. Atrial fibrillation is a common heart arrhythmia that can cause a stroke. It is usually treated with an antiarrhythmic drug and an anticoagulant to prevent the formation of blood clots. The safety and effectiveness of digoxin and quinidine in the treatment of atrial fibrillation have been questioned. Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are now commonly used to restore normal rhythm, and warfarin is used to prevent blood clots. Studies of amiodarone found that high doses can cause unacceptable toxicity, but a recent study found that low doses can restore normal rhythm with few side effects. However, long-term studies are needed to confirm these results. Amiodarone should be reserved for patients with severe atrial fibrillation that is not controlled by other drugs.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Low-dose amiodarone for maintenance of sinus rhythm after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation or flutter
Article Abstract:
The anti-arrhythmic drug amiodarone may be effective in maintaining a normal heartbeat in patients with atrial fibrillation who do not respond to other anti-arrhythmic drugs. Eighty-nine patients with persistent atrial fibrillation took 600 milligrams (mg) of amiodarone for four weeks. Those who did not convert to a normal rhythm were defibrillated, and switched to approximately 200 mg of amiodarone a day. Fifteen patients converted to a normal rhythm on the drug alone and 74 had to be defibrillated. Normal rhythm was restored in 90% of the patients. Only three patients had a severe reaction to the drug and none developed a secondary arrhythmia. One patient died of end-stage heart failure, but this was not attributed to the drug. More than half the patients still had a normal rhythm three years later.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Dronedarone for maintenance of sinus rythum in atrial fibrillation or flutter
Article Abstract:
The efficacy of dronedarone against placebo was evaluated. Results showed that dronedarone was significantly more effective than placebo in maintaining sinus rhythm and in reducing the ventricular rate during recurrence of arryhythima.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2007
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