[Effect of prajmalium bitartrate and procaine amide on ventricular extrasystoles (author's transl)]

Prajmalium bitartrate (Neo-Gilurytmal) was given to 19 patients, who had either runs of ventricular extrasystoles or frequent extrasystoles. The E. C. G. was continuously monitored on magnetic tape. At a dosage of 80 mg/d (20 mg every six hours) a significant reduction in ventricular extrasystoles was demonstrated on 20 separate occasions. After two hours extrasystoles decreased to 63% of the initial level. After six hours practically the full effect of the drug had been reached; the reduction in extrasystoles stabilized after 12 hours at an average of 30% of initial level. Ten hours after the last tablet had been taken the frequency of extrasystoles had risen to 57% of initial level. Comparison with procaine amide (3 g/d) in 14 patients revealed no significant difference between the two drugs. Prajmalium bitartrate was well tolerated, while three patients receiving procaine amide complained of nausea and gastrointestinal symptoms, so that treatment had to be discontinued in two. In one patient, receiving procaine amide by continuous drip, there were reversible joint pains, resembling lupus erythematodes.