Flecainide. A preliminary review of its pharmacodynamic properties and therapeutic efficacy.

摘要: Flecainide is a Class I antiarrhythmic drug of the local anaesthetic type. It can be given either intravenously or orally and its pharmacokinetic properties allow relatively long (12 hours) dosing intervals with oral administration. In several open few controlled therapeutic trials, administered flecainide has brought about greater than 90% suppression ventricular ectopic beats in 80% patients. A similar percentage patients (83%) experienced at least an their tachycardia these trials. slightly response rate was reported intravenous infusion flecainide. Initial results arrhythmias complicating Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome have been favourable. Comparative trials are number but proved to more effective quinidine, possibly disopyramide, mexiletine, tocainide propafenone, suppressing activity. The most commonly extracardiac adverse effects dizziness visual disturbances. Proarrhythmic 7 8% patients, higher incidence serious reduced myocardial function. moderate negative inotropic become clinically significant impaired Thus flecainide, convenient dose schedule apparently low side effects, would appear useful addition agents available. Further studies needed though, confirm term tolerability when used prophylactically.