Aprindine for treatment of ventricular arrhythmias in the dog

Aprindine hydrochloride was administered IV and orally to 20 dogs with ventricular tachycardia. Seventeen of the 20 dogs had been unsuccessfully treated with conventional antiarrhythmic drugs. Fifteen of the 20 dogs converted to sinus rhythm after IV aprindine therapy, 4 dogs demonstrated marked slowing of their ventricular tachycardia, and 1 dog showed an increase in the rate of ventricular tachycardia. Emesis, ataxia, salivation, and nystamus were observed in 7 dogs after IV aprindine therapy. One dog developed clinical and laboratory evidence compatible with acute hepatitis.