The inhibitory actions of amiodarone on the isolated rabbit heart and aorta have been studied. 2. Amiodarone inhibited vasopressin- and ergonovine-induced coronary spasm, starting from a concentration of 10(-7) M which did not affect myocardial contractility to 10(-4) M, which decreased myocardial contractility. 3. Sinus node activity was largely unaffected even when the highest dose of 10(-4) M was used. 4. Amiodarone did not modify the smooth muscle contraction in rabbit aorta strips precontracted with noradrenaline or potassium. 5. Comparison with other inhibitors of the cardiovascular system (alpha- and beta-blockers, nitrates, calcium entry blockers) points out a peculiar pharmacological profile of amiodarone and indicates some doubts about its presumed anti-adrenergic properties.