Mechanism of Action of Antiarrhythmic Agents: Focus on Propafenone

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Propafenone is a new antiarrhythmic compound that has an unusual spectrum of pharmacological actions. Its dominant action in cardiac muscle is to block the fast sodium channel with slow onset and offset kinetics. Thus it has a marked depressant effect on conduction with a modest effect in prolonging the effective refractory period in fibers that are fast‐channel dependent. In addition, it has beta‐blocking and calcium‐channel blocking actions that are likely to affect its overall spectrum of activity. Propafenone should be effective in suppressing both ventricular as well as supraventricular arrhythmias.