Xamoterol improves the control of chronic atrial fibrillation in elderly patients.

Abstract

Twenty digitalized elderly patients with chronic atrial fibrillation were randomized into a double-blind cross-over study. None was in overt heart failure and all were taking < 80 mg frusemide daily. They received xamoterol 200 mg b.d. for 2 months with their usual dose of digoxin for 1 month and placebo digoxin for the other month. Twenty-four-hour heart rate analysis was done at baseline and at the end of each treatment period. Compared with baseline digoxin, xamoterol alone significantly increased nocturnal minimum heart rate [85 +/- 17 vs. 62 +/- 9 (mean +/- SD), p < 0.0001] without affecting daytime maximum heart rate (132 +/- 18 vs. 122 +/- 20, p = NS). Compared with baseline digoxin, xamoterol plus digoxin significantly increased nocturnal minimum heart rate (68 +/- 8, p < 0.05) and reduced daytime heart rate (114 +/- 17, p < 0.05). The mean number of pauses > 1.5 s was significantly reduced by xamoterol alone. Walking distance in 6 minutes was 406.1 +/- 27.1 m (mean +/- SE) at baseline and improved significantly on both treatments (450.3 +/- 19.8 on xamoterol; p < 0.02 and 453.7 +/- 19.2 on xamoterol plus digoxin; p < 0.01). No significant change was found in subjective measurements of palpitations, breathlessness and well-being using visual analogue scales. Xamoterol combined with digoxin improves effort tolerance and heart-rate control by reducing diurnal tachycardia and nocturnal bradycardia and pauses.

• Authors: P J Lawson-Matthew, K A McLean, M Dent, C A Austin, K S Channer
• Journal: Age and ageing (Age Ageing) Vol. 24 Issue 4 Pg. 321-5 (Jul 1995) ISSN: 0002-0729 [Print] England
• PMID: 7484490 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic beta-Agonists
• Digoxin
• Xamoterol
• Furosemide

Topics

• Adrenergic beta-Agonists (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Atrial Fibrillation (drug therapy)
• Chronic Disease
• Cross-Over Studies
• Digoxin (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Electrocardiography (drug effects)
• Exercise Test (drug effects)
• Furosemide (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Geriatric Assessment
• Heart Rate (drug effects)
• Humans
• Xamoterol (adverse effects, therapeutic use)