Antiarrhythmic therapy: New additions and future expectations

The major promise of aprindine, which is under investigation in the United States, is as an oral agent for maintenance therapy of arrhythmias. It is effective in controlling incessant ventricular tachycardia. Since tocainide does not undergo extensive 'first-pass' metabolism by the liver, it becomes an effective oral agent in treating drug-refractory ventricular arrhythmias. Side effects are mild or moderate, with CNS involvement being the most common.