Intravenous procainamide for the conversion of new onset atrial fibrillation in the emergency department setting.
A common problem seen by emergency physicians, that of new onset atrial fibrillation, and a unique approach to its emergency department management are discussed. In hemodynamically stable patients with new onset atrial fibrillation, an attempt at chemical cardioversion can be made in the emergency department with intravenous procainamide at a rate of 20 mg/min to a maximum dose of 20 mg/kg if accompanied with careful monitoring of blood pressure and cardiac rhythm. If cardioversion is successful, such individuals may not require hospitalization if they are less than 65 years of age and without evidence of organic heart, lung, or thyroid disease.
de Haas
D D
DD
Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine, Kern Medical Center, Bakersfield, California.
Taliaferro
E H
EH
Amin
N M
NM
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008875:Middle Aged; D011342:Procainamide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D011342:Procainamide