Amiodarone (cordarone) efficiency in atrial extrasystoles

Abstract

Aim. To assess antiarrhythmic amiodarone efficacy of suppressing atrial extrasystoles resistant to other antiarrhythmic modalities. Material and methods. The antiarrhythmic effect of amiodarone was studied in 70 patients (38 males, 32 females, mean age 49.6 ± 1.7 years, mean duration of arrhythmia 4.9 ± 1,5 years). The loading oral dose of amiodarone was 600-1200 mg/day for 10 days, mean maintenance dose - 1656.25 mg a weak, mean duration of treatment - 27.5 ± 3.2 months. The response to amiodarone was estimated by repeated 24-h Holter monitoring. Results. A complete response was observed in 78.5% patients in loading and in 65.7% patients in maintenance therapy. A partial antiarrhythmic response was seen in 8.57 and 16.41% patients, respectively. Conclusion. Amiodarone is a basic drug against ventricular arrhythmia. Its effectiveness in suppression of atrial extrasystole is weaker but also appropriate.

Keywords

• atrial extrasystole
• antiarrhythmic treatment with amiodarone (cordarone)