Experimental Anti‐Arrhythmic Properties of Melperone, a Neuroleptic Butyrophenone

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Abstract
The neuroleptic butyrophenone, melperone, has been compared with antiarrhythmics, neuroleptics, α‐blockers and β‐blockers in various experimental arrhythmias. Melperone 0.01–1 mg/kg intravenously antagonized ouabain‐induced arrhythmias in conscious rabbits to the same degree as propranolol 2 mg/kg and quinidine 10 mg/kg intravenously probably mainly via a CNS depressive effect. It was found to be considerably weaker than propranolol 2 mg/kg, when anaesthetized guinea pigs were used. Melperone 0.1–10 mg/kg was inactive against aconitine‐induced arrhythmias. Melperone 1–5 mg/kg antagonized adrenaline‐induced arrhythmias in halothane‐sensitized guinea pigs like phentolamine 1–5 mg/kg intravenously and was more potent than chlorpromazine, propranolol and quinidine. This study and an electrophysiological study suggest that melperone might be a type III anti‐arrhythmic drug, which at the same time depresses CNS and reduces afterload.