ETACIZIN®

Product Description

Etacizin is antiarrhythmic treatment for heart rhythm disturbances. Therapeutic indications are extrasystoles (ventricular and supraventricular), supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, atrial flutter and fibrillation.

Product Mechanism of Action

According to Vaughan Williams antiarrhythmic agents’ classification, Etacizin is IC class antiarrhythmic (membranes stabilizers). Etacizin inhibits “fast” sodium ions current through cell membranes of sodium channels. It has an effect on sodium channels, which are on the surface of cell membranes, and on this part of channels that are on the inner surface of cell membranes. These additional places of binding provide etacizin long-term activity. To a less extent etacizin inhibits calcium ions current through “slow” calcium channels. Negative nootropic activity of etacizin is connected with blockade of “slow” calcium channels.
Etacizin has moderate antiischemic activity. It slows down distribution of excitation in the conduction system of myocardium. Electrocardiogram (ECG) shows prolongation of the P-Q, P-R interval and QRS complex.
Etacizin inhibits increase of activity potential speed (Vmax), does not change the potential of rest.
Etacizin has cholinolytic characteristics, therefore it is very effective in the treatment of arrhythmia, which is connected with n. Vagus activation. Etacizin has also local anesthetic activity.

Dosage

Tablets are usually administered orally, independent on meal.

Adults: The dose is adjusted individually. Usually the dose is 50 mg two-three times daily. In case of insufficient clinical effect, the dose can be increased to 50 mg four times daily. Combined therapy of etacizin and adrenoblockers is necessary to achieve the stable antiarrhythmic effect in individual patients.
Elderly: The elderly should use the medicine with caution, it is necessary to decrease the starting dose and cautiously increase the dose.
Children and adolescents (younger than 18 years): Etacizin administration is contraindicated as there are no sufficient data on administration safety and efficacy.
Hepatic failure: Patients with liver disorders should use etacizin for long-term therapy with caution as the hepatotoxic effect is possible (hard disturbances of liver activity if administration is contraindicated).