Lorcainide -- an anti-arrhythmic agent for ventricular arrhythmias.

Abstract

The long-term anti-arrhythmic efficacy of lorcainide (R15 889) was studied in 20 ambulatory postmyocardial infarction patients. Lorcainide reduced the frequency of ventricular ectopic beats by more than 70% and 90% in 17 and 11 of the patients respectively. The anti-arrhythmic response improved with long-term administration of the drug. Fourteen patients complained of insomnia during the early stages of the study, but this side-effect waned later on. On electrocardiographic examination, the P-R interval, QTc interval and QRS duration were prolonged, and T-wave changes were noted while the patients were receiving lorcainide. Lorcainide seems to be a useful addition to the available anti-arrhythmic agents, and should form part of the armamentarium against ventricular ectopic activity.

• Authors: D P Myburgh, A P Goldman, J M Schamroth
• Journal: South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde (S Afr Med J) Vol. 57 Issue 7 Pg. 236-9 (Feb 16 1980) ISSN: 0256-9574 [Print] South Africa
• PMID: 7404136 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Benzeneacetamides
• Piperidines
• lorcainide

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Arrhythmias, Cardiac (complications, drug therapy)
• Benzeneacetamides
• Electrocardiography
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Myocardial Infarction (complications)
• Piperidines (therapeutic use)
• Ventricular Fibrillation (complications, drug therapy)