Verapamil in the treatment of ventricular tachycardia

Verapamil, the drug of choice for conversion of most cases of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, has also displayed some efficacy in the treatment of ventricular tachycardia. A case in which the administration of intravenous verapamil resulted in conversion of ventricular tachycardia to sinus rhythm is presented. Experimental and clinical studies of verapamil in the treatment of this arrhythmia have revealed markedly variable results. Verapamil does not appear to be consistently effective in converting ventricular tachycardia. It has, however, demonstrated utility in some instances, especially in cases resistant to more traditional therapeutic agents, as well as relatively unusual forms of ventricular tachycardia. Verapamil may be most effective in suppressing ventricular tachycardia initiated by certain mechanisms.