DISOPYRAMIDE

Absorption

Nearly complete

Toxicity

LD50=580 mg/kg in rats

Description

Structurally, disopyramide does not belong to any of the known classes of antiarrhythmics; however, being a drug of the class IA sodium channel blockers, it exhibits membranestabilizing action and increases the effective refractory period and duration of an action potential in the atrium and ventricles. It causes a decrease in contractability and excitability of the myocardium, slowing of conductivity, and suppression of sinoatride automatism.

The Uses of DISOPYRAMIDE

Disopyramide is used for preventing and restoring atrial and ventricular extrasystole and tachycardia in order to prevent atrial flutter and arrhythmia.

Indications

For the treatment of documented ventricular arrhythmias, such as sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular pre-excitation and cardiac dysrhythmias. It is a Class Ia antiarrhythmic drug.

Background

A class I anti-arrhythmic agent (one that interferes directly with the depolarization of the cardiac membrane and thus serves as a membrane-stabilizing agent) with a depressant action on the heart similar to that of guanidine. It also possesses some anticholinergic and local anesthetic properties.

What are the applications of Application

Disopyramide is an antiarrhythmic (class IA) and a sodium channel blocker

Pharmacokinetics

Disopyramide is an anti-arrhythmic drug indicated for the treatment of documented ventricular arrhythmias, such as sustained ventricular tachycardia that are life-threatening. At therapeutic plasma levels, disopyramide shortens the sinus node recovery time, lengthens the effective refractory period of the atrium, and has a minimal effect on the effective refractory period of the AV node. Little effect has been shown on AV-nodal and His-Purkinje conduction times or QRS duration. However, prolongation of conduction in accessory pathways occurs.

Metabolism

Hepatic