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Clinical Efficacy of Amiodarone
Author(s) -
Nolan Paul E.,
Nappi Jean,
Pollak P. Timothy
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1002/j.1875-9114.1998.tb03949.x
Subject(s) - amiodarone , medicine , cardiology , atrial fibrillation , asymptomatic , atrial flutter , myocardial infarction , heart failure , sinus rhythm , supraventricular arrhythmia , sudden death , ejection fraction , cardiomyopathy , antiarrhythmic agent , dronedarone , heart disease
Objectives . To review the clinical efficacy and role of amiodarone in the management of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias and its effects on mortality. Methods . Review of relevant studies and reports. Results . Amiodarone exerts significant effects on atrial tissue. In most studies it was completely or partly effective in preventing recurrences of atrial fibrillation or flutter in up to 80% of patients. Amiodarone may be superior to class Ia agents for maintaining normal sinus rhythm. Large randomized trials indicate that it is a potent suppressor of ventricular arrhythmia and reduces arrhythmic death after myocardial infarction. In patients with cardiomyopathy, it suppresses asymptomatic arrhythmias and increases left ventricular ejection fraction. Meta‐analysis of relevant studies indicated that amiodarone reduces the risk of arrhythmic and sudden death by 29% in high‐risk patients with recent myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure. This translates into an overall 13% reduction in total mortality. Conclusion . Because of its effectiveness against a broad range of arrhythmias, amiodarone is a valuable addition to the antiarrhythmic pharmacopeia.