The anti-arrhythmic efficacy of perhexiline maleate, disopyramide and mexiletine in ventricular ectopic activity

The anti-arrhythmic efficacy of perhexiline maleate, disopyramide and mexiletine has been evaluated in 27 patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease who exhibited frequent ventricular ectopic beats (i.e. greater than or equal to 8/h). Holter tape recordings were made during normal working hours before, during and after the sequential administration of the three drugs. Each drug was administered to each patient for a 2-month period. The drug had to be discontinued in 4 cases because of side-effects. A significant reduction (P less than 0,001) in ectopic beat frequency occurred with all three drugs. No significant difference in anti-arrhythmic potency could be demonstrated between the drugs.