Antiarrhythmic Effect of Amiodarone on Ventricular Arrhythmias

ABSTRACT

The antiarrhythmic effect of oral amiodarone was evaluated by 24-hr Holter monitoring in 12 patients with frequent and/or complex ventricular ectopy. Amiodarone was administered as following schedule; 600mg a day for the 1st week, 400mg a day for the 2nd week and 200mg a day, 5 days a week from the 3rd week. In 9 patients, the frequency of VPC decreased significantly or the grade of VPC changed to the more benign grade, so we considered them as "Effective Group" (75%). In 7 patients, both the frequency and the grade of VPC improved, so we considered them as "Excellent Group" (58%). No significant side effect was observed during investigation. We concluded that amiodarone is very effective antiarrhythmic drug and has no serious side effect during a short-term observation.