[Anti-arrhythmia properties of pyromecaine]

Antiarrhythmic activity of the local anesthetic pyromecaine has been studied. The drug has been shown to eliminate flutter of the atria provoked by electrical stimulation of the myocardium, by aconitin, strophanthine and barium chloride. It prevents ventricular fibrillation arising due to calcium chloride poisoning. The drug exhibits marked antiarrhythmic properties. It is similar to lidocaine but less toxic and has a broader therapeutic range. It does not produce any adverse action on myocardial contractility or conduction. Pyromecaine has been demonstrated to exert appreciable antiarrhythmic activity in patients. The Pharmacological Committee of the USSR Ministry of Health approved pyromecaine for use in medical practice as an antiarrhythmic drug.