The use of hydroxyzine in the prophylaxis and therapy of cardiac arrhythmias

Abstract

R EPORTS continually appear in medical literature concerning the use of new, safe, broad spectrum antiarrhythmic drugs. The chief factors responsible for efforts directed in this regard are twofold: (1) the profound side effects attributable to the agents now in general use and (2) the need for a drug which will have a broad scope of action not only in the therapy of arrhythmias but also in the prophylaxis of arrhythmias. Recently, animal studies’ and clinical trials2 in man utilizing the drug hydroxyzine have been encouraging. Reportedly this agent was found to be safe, non-toxic, easily administered, and clinically effective in converting to sinus rhythm twenty-six of thirty-four cases of ventricular extrasystoles, auricular extrasystoles, paroxysmal atria1 tachycardias, and paroxysmal ventricular tachycardias. The success in converting atria1 fibrillation was limited to four of the sixteen cases. Dosages used varied between 25 to 75 mg. administered intravenously, 50 to 100 mg. given intramuscularly and 10 to 25 mg. given orally, four times a day. Our present study deals with the response to the parenteral administration of hydroxyzine of patients with various arrhythmias, the majority undergoing constant electrocardiographic monitoring.