Single oral administration of pilsicainide versus infusion of disopyramidefor termination of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: A multicenter trial

A single oral dose of pilsicainide (PLS) is effective in terminating acute- onset atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the effectiveness of this single o ral treatment has not been compared with the infusion of other antiarrhythm ic drugs. The effects of a single oral dose of PLS on the termination of AF were compared with an infusion of disopyramide (DISO) in a multicenter tri al. Seventy-two patients with electrocardiographically confirmed, symptomat ic, paroxysmal AF (< 48-hour duration) were randomized to receive either a single 100- to 150-mg dose of PLS versus a 2 mg/kg (maximum dose = 100 mg) infusion of DISO. Successful defibrillation was defined as termination of A F within 2 hours of drug administration: Conversion of AF to sinus rhythm w as achieved within 2 hours in 29 of 40 patients (73%) treated with PLS, and in 18 of 32 patients (56%) treated with DISO (NS). The mean time to return of sinus rhythm was 60 +/- 30 minutes in the PLS group versus 23 +/- 28 mi nutes in the DISO group (P < 0.001). DISO was particularly effective in ter minating nocturnal AF, whereas PLS had a stable circadian effect. PLS wets significantly more effective than DISO between 6 AM and 12 PM (64% vs 17%, P < 0.05). No adverse effect was observed in either group, in conclusion, a single oral dose of PLS was as effective as an infusion of DISO to restore sinus rhythm in patients with recent-onset AF. PLS consistently terminated AF regardless of its time of onset.