Summary
The anti-arrhythmic properties of the dextro-isomer of the beta-blocking agent alprenolol have been investigated in 15 patients with different cardiac arrhythmias. The frequency of extrasystoles and other arrhythmias has been expressed quantitatively by counting the total number of arrhythmic episodes from continuous ECG-recordings on magnetic tape. The drug was given as single i.v. injections of 30 mg to 150 mg, or, as i.v. infusions of 0.5 to 3.5 mg/min. After d-alprenolol there was a mean reduction of 95% in the frequency of ventricular extrasystoles in all six patients with this type of arrhythmia. In five of the six patients with atrial fibrillation, the ventricular rate fell considerably, and one of the patients regained sinus rhythm. In six patients with paroxysmal ventricular and supraventricular tachycardias, the arrhythmic attacks were prevented by d-alprenolol. In two cases repeated episodes of ventricular fibrillation were suppressed by d-alprenolol. The drug produced a fall in systolic blood pressure in all patients, ranging from 5% to 46%. Three patients with acute myocardial infarction had symptoms of clinical shock, which disappeared during treatment with i.v. infusion of noradrenaline.
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Saunamäki, K.I. Studies on the anti-arrhythmic effect of dextro-alprenolol. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 3, 23–31 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00560287
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00560287