What is vernakalant and what is its place in clinical practice?

Czech version

Authors: J. Murín; J. Vítovec
Authors‘ workplace: I. interní kardioangiologická klinika LF MU a FN u sv. Anny v Brně ; I. interna klinika, Univerzitná nemocnica Bratislava
Published in: Kardiol Rev Int Med 2012, 14(2): 115-119
Category: Reports from Foreign countries

Overview

Pharmacological cardioversion is a frequent approach used by doctors with respect to atrial fibrillation in routine clinical practice. It ensures the modification (version) of arrhythmia to the sinus rhythm or contributes to the control and suppression of symptoms of the disease (usually palpitation, breathlessness, weakness, anxiety). In this treatment, proven antiarrhythmics are used which, however, are frequently not so effective or are effective after a longer period (hours, days). Even today, clinical practice requires new antiarrhythmics – especially those with a fast effect, both effective and safe, effective in treating atrial fibrillation and without a (negative) impact on the electrical activity of the ventricles. Vernakalant is one of these new “atrial selective” antiarrhythmics. It is administered intravenously and has been approved for use in the European Union. The article presents its pharmacological characteristics, its effectiveness and safety (based on available clinical trials).

Keywords:
atrial fibrillation – medicamentous cardioversion – selective atrial antiarrhythmics – vernakalant

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