Abstract
Disopyramide (D) has been reported to be an effective antiarrhythmic agent in adults; little experience is available using D in pediatric patients. We have treated eleven patients, ranging in age from 10-18 years (median-13 years) with D for ventricular (8), and supraventricular (3)arrhythmias. Pharmacokinetic data was obtained in selected patients.Two patients were given D intra. venously prior to beginning oral therapy. The T½ of elimination was 4.8 hours. D was primarily excreted unchanged in the urine in the first 24 hours. The oral dosage varied from 100-150mgm every 6 hours, 6-14mg/kg/day, (median 11mg/kg/day). Peak plasma D levels occurred between 2-4 hours after an oral dose and ranged from 3.0-3.5mg%. Of the 8 patients treated with D for ventricular arrhythmias, 6 had excellent control of the arrhythmia. Four of these patients had previously had poor results with Quinidine. In 2 patients D had to be discontinued;one because of GI side effects and the second due to D enhancement of periodic paralysis. Two patients had atrial flutter (AF). In one the AF was converted to sinus rhythm and in the second there was no effect on the AF. A third patient with recurrent supraventricular tachycardia D had to be discontinued because of its anti-cholinergic effects. In conclusion, D appears to be a safe and effective alternative antiarrhythmic agent in pediatric patients, particularly for the treatment of recurrent ventricular arrhythmias.
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Hordof, A., Moak, J., Steeg, C. et al. 153 TREATMENT OF CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS WITH DISOPYRAMIDE (NORPACE). Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 465 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00162
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00162