title: A new antiarrhythmic drug in the treatment of recent-onset atrial fibrillation: vernakalant.
abstract: Vernakalant is a new antiarrhythmic agent recently approved in Europe for the rapid cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation. It works by blocking early-activating K+ atrial channels and frequency-dependent atrial Na+ channels, prolonging atrial refractory periods and rate-dependent slowing atrial conduction, without promoting ventricular arrhythmia. Preclinical and clinical trials showed good toleration of this drug. The main purpose of our review is to describe all the trials that led to the incorporation of vernakalant into the current European atrial fibrillation guidelines.
authors: Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Experimental and Applied Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
authors: Enrico
authors: E
authors: Vizzardi
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Salghetti
authors: Ivano
authors: I
authors: Bonadei
authors: Sandro
authors: S
authors: Gelsomino
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Lorusso
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: D'Aloia
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Curnis
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000840:Anisoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D011759:Pyrrolidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000840:Anisoles; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D011759:Pyrrolidines; C524581:vernakalant
keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Cardioversion; Vernakalant