[Lorcainid--electrophysiologic examinations of a new anti-arrhythmia agent]

The electrophysiologic properties of Lorcainide (1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg) were studied on 21 patients by intracardiac electrograms and atrial stimulation. A prolongation of the H-V interval, widening of QRS duration but only minor changes in A-H interval were found. The effective refractory period of the atria increased, the effective and functional refractory periods of the A-V node changed variable following Lorcainide. There was a slight increase in heart rate and the sinus node recovery time was longer after 2.5 mg/kg of the drug. The major site of action of Lorcainide in man appears to be the His-Purkinje system. In electrophysiologic terms the new antiarrhythmic agent closely resembles Aprindine.