Abstract

Disopyramide is an antiarrhythmic agent which the manufacturers claim to be effective in controlling both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias; recent promotion particularly emphasises the latter. It is marketed for oral use as the base (Rythmodan - Roussel) and as the phosphate (Norpace - Searle), but these preparations do not differ clinically and represent another example of pseudo-competition.¹ For i. v. use Rythmodan is also marketed as the phosphate, no preparation of Norpace for i. v. use is available. When we discussed the drug four years ago² there was insufficient evidence to recommend disopyramide for clinical use.