title: Drug combinations and interactions with class III agents.
abstract: Drug combinations with class III antiarrhythmic agents have not been studied systematically. There are data indicating that enhanced efficacy as evaluated by electrophysiologic studies can be obtained by combining sotalol and a type Ia drug or amiodarone with low-dose beta-blocking drugs. Combining amiodarone with a type Ia or Ic drug or with a beta-blocking drug can slow the rate of ventricular tachycardia to make the ventricular tachycardia hemodynamically well tolerated. Pharmacokinetic drug interactions with amiodarone are extensive. Recently, it has been shown that hepatic metabolism of amiodarone can be induced to enhance the conversion of amiodarone to N-desethylamiodarone. The physiologic effect of this drug transformation is uncertain. There should be few pharmacokinetic drug interactions with sotalol because this drug is almost completely absorbed, does not bind to plasma proteins, and is excreted unchanged by the kidneys.
mesh_terms: D000638:Amiodarone / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000145:classification; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000638:Amiodarone