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ANTIPAF trial: sartans do not reduce the number of AF episodes in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and without structural heart disease

Atrial fibrillation ( AF ) is a progressive chronic disease in which episodes become more frequent and long-lasting over time. Conventional anti-arrhythmic therapy aims at halting progression and reducing symptoms, but the use of most anti-arrhythmic drugs is compromised by severe side effects, such...
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High-dose Simvastatin associated with increased risk of muscle injury

Based on review of data from a large clinical trial and data from other sources, the FDA ( Food and Drug Administration ) has informed the public about an increased risk of muscle injury in patients taking the highest approved dose of the cholesterol-lowering medication, Zocor ( Simvastatin ) 80 mg,...
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HIV infection: Saquinavir in combination with Ritonavir linked to abnormal heart rhythm

The FDA ( Food and Drug Administration ) is reviewing clinical trial data about a potentially serious effect on the heart from the use of Invirase ( Saquinavir ) in combination with Norvir ( Ritonavir ). The data suggest that together the two drugs may affect the electrical activity of the heart. ...
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Dronedarone: benefit risk assessment

Dronedarone ( Multaq ) is indicated for rhythm and rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation ( AF ) / atrial flutter ( AFL ), to maintain sinus rhythm or to decrease ventricular rate. Dronedarone demonstrates electrophysiological characteristics belonging to all 4 Vaughan-Williams classes o...
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CYP1A2 inhibitors may lead to substantial increases in Tizanidine blood concentrations

Acorda Therapeutics anf FDA ( Food and Drug Administration ) have informed that concomitant use of Tizanidine ( Zanaflex ) with Fluvoxamine ( Luvox ) or Ciprofloxacin ( Cipro ), potent CYP1A2 inhibitors, is contraindicated. The interaction between Tizanidine and either Fluvoxamine or Ciprofloxaci...
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Erectile dysfunction: Viagra, Cialis and Levitra may be associated with visual loss

Eric Wooltorton has published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal ( CMAJ ) a review of visual loss associated with use of Viagra ( Sildenafil ), Cialis ( Tadalafil ) and Levitra ( Vardenafil ). Phosphodiesterase type 5 ( PDE5 ) inhibitors are drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction that ...
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ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines - Pharmacological rate control during atrial fibrillation

For patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation lasting many weeks, initial therapy may be anticoagulation and rate control while the long-term goal is to restore sinus rhythm. Rate control may be reasonable initial therapy in older patients with persistent atrial fibrillation who have hypertensi...
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Amiodarone and Sotalol helps prevent shocks from implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Use of Amiodarone ( Cordarone ), an antiarrhythmic drug, in combination with a beta-blocker is effective in preventing shocks that can occur from an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The implantable cardioverter defibrillator ( ICD ) reduces death in patients at risk for sustained ventricu...
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Lexiva for the treatment of HIV infection in adults in combination with other antiretroviral medications

The FDA ( U.S. Food and Drug Administration ) approved an application to add clinical data to the prescribing information for Lexiva ( Fosamprenavir calcium ), an HIV protease inhibitor ( PI ). The newly added information shows that simultaneous administration of Lexiva in combination with Esomepra...
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Amiodarone reduces risk of atrial tachyarrhythmias after cardiac surgery

Use of the antiarrhythmic agent Amiodarone ( Cordarone ) is associated with one-half the incidence of atrial tachyarrhythmias following cardiac surgery. The study is published in the JAMA. Atrial tachyarrhythmias, usually atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, often occur immediately after ca...
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