[Use of ethacizine tablets in paroxysms of atrial flutter and fibrillation]

Tablets of ethacizine (a phenothiazine series agent) were used for relieving paroxysms of atrial fibrillation and flutter in 30 patients during 103 attacks. The agent produced a favourable effect in 15 patients in 80 paroxysms of atrial fibrillation. The mean time of sinus rhythm recovery was 1.9 hours. It is effective when given in a single dose of 100 mg with its subsequent administration 6 hours later in the absence of the effect. This agent administered in 50 mg dose produced no results. This scheme of relieving paroxysms of atrial flutter was useful when they lasted not more than 7 days; it is not recommended in initial disturbances of intraventricular conduction. Ethacizine tablets can be used both under hospital and outpatient conditions.