Vernakalant: pharmacology electrophysiology, safety and efficacy.
The development of new antiarrhythmic agents for the treatment of atrial fibrillation is advancing simultaneously on several fronts. The molecular structure of existing agents such as amiodarone is being modified in an attempt to improve safety and reduce adverse effects. Similarly, atrial-selective antiarrhythmic drugs are being developed to minimize the occurrence of ventricular proarrhythmia. One of these atrial-selective compounds is vernakalant, which has demonstrated efficacy in terminating atrial fibrillation when given intravenously. In addition, preliminary data suggest that it could also suppress recurrences when used orally. This paper reviews the pharmacology, electrophysiology, efficacy and safety of intravenous and oral vernakalant.
Division of Cardiology, Penn State University Heart and Vascular Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. gnaccarelli@psu.edu
Gerald V
GV
Naccarelli
Deborah L
DL
Wolbrette
Soraya
S
Samii
Javier E
JE
Banchs
Erica
E
Penny-Peterson
Robert
R
Stevenson
Mario D
MD
Gonzalez
D000840:Anisoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011759:Pyrrolidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000840:Anisoles; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D011759:Pyrrolidines; C524581:vernakalant