Propafenone for cardiac arrhythmias
Article Abstract:
The drug propafenone was recently approved for treating life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms arising in the ventricles of the heart. One type of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia is sustained ventricular tachycardia, which is a persistent series of heartbeats arising from the ventricle at a rate greater than 100 beats per minute. The use of propafenone has been restricted to life-threatening types of ventricular arrhythmias because similar antiarrhythmic agents were shown to increase the rate of death among heart attack patients. Propafenone prevents the entry of sodium into the cell and prevents the activation of beta receptors, which are cell membrane proteins involved in specific cell processes. This causes changes in the electrical activity of the heart and increases refractoriness of the atria and ventricles, which is the duration of decreased responsiveness of the heart to electrical stimulation. Propafenone is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, metabolized in the liver, and eliminated by the kidneys. Seven percent of patients taking this drug have decreased ability to metabolize propafenone. The adverse effects, dosages, and cost of propafenone are discussed. Studies show that patients with non-sustained ventricular arrhythmias, who may have few or no remaining symptoms, should not be treated with antiarrhythmic agents. Similar to other antiarrhythmic agents, encainide and flecainide, propafenone is not very effective in treating life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and may exacerbate them. In addition, most physicians prefer to use quinidine or procainamide for oral therapy of ventricular arrhythmias. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1990
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Sotalol for cardiac arrhythmias
Article Abstract:
Sotalol may be an effective and safe treatment for cardiac arrhythmia, or an irregular heart beat. Sotalol may be used for long-term treatment of patients with ventricular tachycardia, or rapid heart beat, and ventricular fibrillation. Studies have found that sotalol may be more effective than other antiarrhythmia drugs in preventing life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Sotalol may also be an effective treatment for patients suffering from supraventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation. Patients treated with sotalol may experience side effects such as fatigue, a slow heart beat or shortness of breath. Sotalol may cause fewer side effects than sodium-channel-blocking drugs used to treat patients with cardiac arrhythmia.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
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Drugs for cardiac arrythmias
Article Abstract:
A wide variety of drugs is available for the treatment of arrythmia, or irregularities of the heart beat. The main drugs are beta-adrenergic blockers and calcium-channel blockers, followed by quinidine, procainamide, and disopyramide. Antiarrhythmic drugs can have serious consequences, including arrhythmia, in patients with mild disease. A table of drugs by name, dosage, effect on ECG, adverse effects, and serum concentration is included.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1996
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