Transcript Contemplated treatment in palpitations and irregular atrial

Anti-arrhythmics with propensity
for pro-arrhythmic effects (i)
" One should never give a drug such as propafenone
or flecainide in the absence of a potent AV nodal
blocker. Digitalis, in my opinion, is not a potent AV
nodal blocker for most patients. Otherwise, the
atrial rate can slow to a flutter-like rhythm, often
relatively slow flutter with rates in the atrium of 200
to 240 bpm. In some patients this can result in a
1:1 AV conduction, and this can lead to a bizarre
wide QRS complex that would mimic ventricular
tachycardia."
Eric N Prystowsky MD
Case studies / Therapy for irregular atrial rhythm
(August 8, 2000)
Anti-arrhythmics with propensity
for pro-arrhythmic effects (ii)
"It is important to be sure there is no coronary
artery disease before using drugs such as
propafenone and flecainide in a population of
patients where coronary artery disease can be
expected to occur. "
Eric N Prystowsky MD
Case studies / Therapy for irregular atrial rhythm
(August 8, 2000)