Conversion from intravenous to oral slow-release disopyramide in acute myocardial infarction

Twelve patients with acute myocardial infarction were given 1.5 mg/kg/5 min bolus +0.4 mg/kg/hr 6 hr IV infusion of disopyramide followed by 250 mg twice daily of a slow-release oral formulation of this drug. Plasma concentrations of total disopyramide rapidly reached steady-state within the therapeutic margins. The plasma steady-state concentrations of the major metabolite mono-N-dealkyl-disopyramide (MND) showed large intra-individual variations. There was no correlation between plasma levels of either disopyramide or MND and the occurrence of anticholinergic side effects. The drug had no significant effect on mean blood pressure, heart rate, or ECG intervals. This therapeutic regimen, including conversion from the IV form to oral slow-release tablets, could be recommended in myocardial infarction.