Further evaluation of phentolamine (‘Regitine’) in cardiac arrhythmias

Abstract

Phentolamine (' Regitine' Ciba), an alpha adrenergic blockade drug, was used in an acute study iii various types of cardiac arrhythmias to evaluate its antiarrhythmic propert).. The drug was used in a dose of 0.5 mg. per min. I. V. for 20 min. The drug was found to be of benejt in treating VPCs, VT and second degree heart block particularlv associated with congestive heart failure. Supraventricular arrhythmias responded less favourably . No side-effects were recorded during its clinical use. Phentolamine is a useful addition to the existing antiarrhythmic drugs. Patients andbethodThe patients studied were admitted to one of the medical wards of the Government General Hospital. A detailed clinical history and examination with particular reference to digitalis intake and cardiovascular status was recorded. Once the clinical and ECG diagnosis of the type of arrhythmias and the underlying cardiac disease was made, a base line ECG tracing of Lead I1 and V1 was recorded.