[Oral longterm therapy with disopyramide phosphate in patients with atrial and ventricular arrhythmias (author's...

The antiarrhythmic effect of longterm therapy with disopyramide phosphate (DP) was investigated in a single controlled trial in 34 patients. Of 11 patients with atrial fibrillation, 5 were successfully cardioverted to sinus rhythm with DP in the long run. In the treatment of extrasystole, the arrhythmia was eliminated or reduced by 75% in 15 of 23 patients. In 6 cases a moderate improvement was achieved and there was no change in 2. The average daily dose initially was 4.2 capsules, the maximum dose was 5.4, and for longterm therapy 4.3 capsules. With respect to its indications, DP is largely similar to quinidine, but in our experience it is characterized by better tolerance.