[Cibenzoline].

Cibenzoline is an imidazoline derivative with antiarrhythmic properties. It is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. The bio-availability is nearly 100%. The drug half-life is between 4 and 7 hours. The drug depresses left ventricular contraction and increases systemic vascular resistance. Cibenzoline has been shown to decrease the maximal rate of rise of depolarisation in isolated cardiac fibers. The duration of action potential is increased. Voltage-clamp studies have shown a reduction in the fast sodium and in the slow currents. The following clinical electrophysiological effects have been observed: an increase in QRS duration, in AH and HV intervals and in the effective ventricular refractory period. This compound has been shown to be effective in preventing atrial arrhythmias, in suppressing reciprocating intranodal tachycardias and tachycardias associated with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias (especially extrasystoles and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia). Side effects are rare.