Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Dronedarone: a new treatment for atrial fibrillation
James C Laughlin1, Peter R Kowey
1Thomas Jefferson University College of Medicine, Main Line Health Heart Center, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania 19096, USA.
Abstract:
Dronedarone. Dronedarone is a benzofuran derivative pharmacologically related to amiodarone but without the iodine moiety. It is designed for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Historically, amiodarone has proved most effective in maintaining sinus rhythm and has been used safely in patients with advanced heart failure. However, its use has been limited by cumulative and often irreversible organ toxicity, especially in younger patients. Dronedarone was developed in an effort to provide equivalent efficacy and safety with less toxicity. Dronedarone has proved efficacious without toxic or proarrhythmic effects and has minimal side effects, but remaining concerns exist regarding its use in patients with advanced heart failure.
Related Concept Videos
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class I Agents as Sodium Channel Blockers
Class 1A Antiarrhythmic Drugs: These drugs work by moderately blocking sodium channels,...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as β-Adrenergic Blockers

