Oral flecainide for suppression of ventricular arrhythmias.
The efficacy and safety of oral flecainide for treatment of ventricular arrhythmias were assessed during a 3-day period in patients with various cardiac diseases. Of 11 patients who received a low dose of flecainide (median daily dose 240 mg), only 4 responded with 90% or greater reduction in premature ventricular complex frequency. Ventricular tachycardia could not be suppressed. During treatment no electrocardiographic changes occurred. 14 of the 19 patients who received a high dose of flecainide (median daily dose 480 mg), demonstrated a 90% or greater reduction in premature ventricular complexes, and ventricular tachycardia did not recur during treatment in 7 out of 9 patients. However, PQ, QRS, and QTc intervals were significantly increased. In general, flecainide was well tolerated and drug administration did not have to be discontinued because of side effects. Flecainide acetate treatment, with a median dose of 480 mg daily, appears to be highly effective for suppressing complex ventricular arrhythmias.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D005424:Flecainide; D006352:Heart Ventricles; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010880:Piperidines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000188:drug therapy
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D010880:Piperidines; D005424:Flecainide