The Efficacy of Propafenone for Treatment of Ventricular Ectopic Depolarizations

Propafenone is an effective agent for suppression of chronic ventricular ectopic depolarizations. Complete elimination of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia is achieved in most patients treated with propafenone. The efficacy of propafenone is best correlated with its prolongation of the PR and QRS intervals whereas its plasma level is a poor predictor of therapeutic efficacy. Although serious side effects do occur with propafenone therapy and the drug must be discontinued in some patients, successful therapy of patients for up to four years has been reported.