title: Efficacy of low-dose amiodarone in the prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation resistant to type IA antiarrhythmic drugs.
abstract: The efficacy and safety of low-dose amiodarone (Cordarone; Wyeth-Ayerst, Philadelphia, PA) was assessed in 62 symptomatic patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who were resistant to at least two types of IA drugs. The beneficial response to this treatment was defined as a reduction in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation of greater than or equal to 50% within 1 month. Of the 42 patients (67.7%) who were responders, 39 (62.9%) were completely free of episodes. Intolerable side effects were seen in 12 patients (19.3%). Tolerable side effects were encountered by 73% of patients. Most of the adverse effects were transient and responded to a reduction in the dose. In conclusion, (1) low-dose amiodarone produces a beneficial response in the prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and (2) low-dose amiodarone is well tolerated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sinai-Grace Hospital and Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
authors.forename: N Z
authors.initials: NZ
authors.lastname: Kerin
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Faitel
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Kerin
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Quinones
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Stomel
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000638:Amiodarone