[Anti-arrhythmic effects of derivatives of metoclopramide]

The antiarrhythmic effect of Metoclopramide and its analogs, sultopride and thiapride, were studied. In the dog arrhythmias were induced by epinephrine, ouabain and coronary artery ligation. In the guinea-pig the effect of each compound was determined on the ouabain-induced arrhythmias as well as on the refractoriness of the electrically stimulated isolated atria. In the dog sultropide and thiapride were less active than metoclopramide. However, metoclopramide and thiapride depressed auriculo-ventricular conduction. None of these agents exerted a protective antiarrhythmic effect in the guinea-pig. Metoclopramide increased the refractoriness while sultropide and thiapride were almost inactive. Unlike metoclopramide, the two analogs have no local anesthetic activity.