Inpharma 1553 - 2 Sep 2006

■ Ibutilide is effective for the treatment of recent-onset atrial fibrillation or flutter in the emergencydepartment (ED), report researchers from Greece andthe US. In their study, 36 patients with heartpalpitations for < 72 hours were treated with IVibutilide 1mg or 0.01 mg/kg (in patients < 60kg)infused over 10 minutes. A repeat infusion wasadministered if the patient did not achieve a normalsinus rhythm (NSR) within 10 minutes. Arrhythmiasstopped in 25 patients (69%) and the mean time toNSR was 19 minutes. NSR was restored in 77% ofpatients who had palpitations for < 24 hours and in90% of those with atrial flutter. Adverse effectsincluded occasional hypotension. The authorsconclude that "because of its pharmacologic properties,proven efficacy, and safety profile, ibutilide is anexcellent therapy option for restoring sinus rhythm inthe ED".Mountantonakis SE, et al. Ibutilide to expedite ED therapy for recent-onsetatrial fibrillation flutter. American Journal of Emergency Medicine 24:407-412, No. 4, Jul 2006 801044558

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Inpharma 2 Sep 2006 No. 15531173-8324/10/1553-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved