Related Experiment Videos
Verapamil (Isoptin, Knoll; Calan, Searle)
Drug Intelligence & Clinical Pharmacy
|June 1, 1982
Summary
Verapamil effectively treats supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and controls heart rate in atrial fibrillation. This calcium antagonist offers rapid conversion for PSVT and rate reduction for other conditions, with careful use advised in specific patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Verapamil is a calcium antagonist with unique antiarrhythmic properties.
- It is utilized for acute management of specific cardiac rhythm disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of verapamil in treating paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and controlling ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation/flutter.
- To compare verapamil's effectiveness against beta-adrenergic blocking agents for PSVT.
Main Methods:
- Clinical assessment of verapamil's impact on heart rhythm and rate.
- Dosage of 0.075-0.15 mg/kg verapamil administered for PSVT treatment.
Main Results:
- Verapamil achieved normal sinus rhythm in approximately 80% of PSVT patients.
- It successfully reduced ventricular rate in 90% of patients with atrial fibrillation and flutter.
- Verapamil demonstrated greater efficacy than beta-blockers in PSVT treatment.
Conclusions:
- Verapamil is valuable for rapid PSVT conversion and ventricular rate control in atrial fibrillation/flutter.
- Its short half-life allows for subsequent interventions if needed.
- Ongoing research explores verapamil for angina, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and hypertension, with caution advised in certain cardiac conditions.