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Lorcainide in patients with refractory ventricular tachyarrhythmia
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|June 1, 1984
Summary
Lorcainide, an antiarrhythmic drug, showed effectiveness in 38% of patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. However, its use is limited by side effects like insomnia and gastrointestinal issues.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation are life-threatening arrhythmias.
- Existing antiarrhythmic drugs may be ineffective for some patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lorcainide in patients with recurrent ventricular arrhythmias.
Main Methods:
- Lorcainide was administered to 76 patients with heart disease and ventricular arrhythmias.
- Efficacy was assessed using ambulatory monitoring, exercise stress testing, and invasive electrophysiologic testing.
- Dosage ranged from 200 to 400 mg daily for 72 to 96 hours.
Main Results:
- Lorcainide was effective in 38% of patients for suppressing ventricular ectopic activity.
- Toxic reactions led to discontinuation in 5 patients.
- Common side effects included insomnia (55.3%) and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Lorcainide is effective in a subset of patients with refractory ventricular arrhythmias.
- Its clinical utility is constrained by a high incidence of insomnia and other side effects.