Abstract |
Flestolol, a new ultrashort-acting (half-life 6.9 minutes) beta-blocking drug, was administered by intravenous infusion to 18 patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation or flutter and rapid ventricular response (120 beats/min or more for at least 30 minutes). Drug dose of flestolol was progressively increased until at least 1 of 3 endpoints was achieved: at least a 20% reduction in heart rate from baseline, heart rate 100 beats/min or less, or conversion to normal sinus rhythm. Flestolol was then administered as a maintenance infusion up to 24 hours. When flestolol was discontinued, patients were monitored for 1 additional hour. The mean ventricular response at baseline of 133 +/- 12 beats/min decreased to 103 +/- 20 beats/min at the end of flestolol titration (p less than 0.0001). Fourteen patients (78%) achieved defined endpoints. All 14 patients who continued to receive maintenance infusion had a sustained response. When flestolol was discontinued, ventricular response increased 33 +/- 23% within 60 minutes. The only adverse effect seen was hypotension in 2 patients. Flestolol is effective in slowing ventricular response in new-onset atrial fibrillation and flutter, maintains a therapeutic effect during continuous infusion and rapidly loses therapeutic effect when discontinued.
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Authors | J S Steinberg, R J Katz, J C Somberg, D Keefe, A R Laddu, J Burge |
Journal | The American journal of cardiology
(Am J Cardiol)
Vol. 58
Issue 10
Pg. 1005-8
(Nov 01 1986)
ISSN: 0002-9149 [Print] United States |
PMID | 2877563
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
- Fluorobenzenes
- Propanolamines
- flestolol
- esmolol
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Topics |
- Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
(therapeutic use, toxicity)
- Adult
- Aged
- Atrial Fibrillation
(drug therapy)
- Atrial Flutter
(drug therapy)
- Blood Pressure
(drug effects)
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Female
- Fluorobenzenes
- Half-Life
- Humans
- Hypotension
(chemically induced)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Myocardial Contraction
(drug effects)
- Propanolamines
(therapeutic use, toxicity)
- Time Factors
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