NEW ANTIARRHYTHMIC DRUG FOR THE TREATMENT OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION. STUDY DATA, CLINICAL GUIDELINES, REGULATORY AGENCY RECOMMENDATIONS

Abstract

The main objectives and strategies for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), one of the most common cardiac arrhythmia, are seen. A combination of strategies for heart rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving rhythm-controling therapy is preferred at present, according to current guidelines. Amiodarone, one of the most effective anti-arrhythmic drugs with an extensive evidence base, remains the drug of reserve because of serious side effects. A new drug, dronedarone, has electrophysiological properties attributable to all four classes of antiarrhythmic drugs. According to meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials dronedarone is inferior to amiodarone in prevention of AF recurrences, but it is superior to amiodaron in safety. However , in 2011 dronedarone was included in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) list of drugs that require further analysis in connection with appearance of the new information about its safety.

Keywords

• atrial fibrillation
• antiarrhythmic drugs
• amiodarone
• dronedarone
• safety
• efficacy
• randomized clinical trials
• meta-analysis