Products
Vernakalant is commercially available as a concentrate for the preparation of an infusion solution (Brinavess). It is approved in many countries the year 2011.
Structure
Vernakalant (C20H32ClNO4, Mr = 385.9 g/mol) is an enantiomerically pure pyrrolidinol compound. It is present in drugs as vernakalanth hydrochloride.
Effects
Vernakalant (ATC C01BG11) has antiarrhythmic properties at the atrium of the heart and restores normal cardiac rhythm. It prolongs atrial refractory period and delays conduction velocity as a function of frequency. The effects are due to blockade of potassium and sodium channels. The half-life ranges from 3 to 5 hours.
Indications
Rapid conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm in adults. Atrial fibrillation is a very common cardiac arrhythmia that occurs when the atria of the heart beat rapidly and irregularly.
Dosage
According to the drug label. Vernakalant is administered parenterally by healthcare professionals.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Vernakalant is -demethylated by CYP2D6, however, no relevant interactions are expected via this mechanism. Specific studies have not been performed.
Adverse effects
The most common adverse effects include taste disturbance, paresthesia, dizziness, headache, hypoesthesia, bradycardia, atrial flutter, low blood pressure, cough, nasal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, pruritus, sweating, and local discomfort at the injection site.