Efficacy of and adverse effects of disopyramide

The efficacy of disopyramide compared to placebo for exercise induced ventricular arrhythmias was tested in a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial with cross-over design in 14 patients with coronary heart disease. Disopyramide was given as ordinary capsules (q.i.d.) or as a slow release preparation (b.i.d.) in a total dose of 600 mg per day. The placebo preparations were identical looking capsules and tablets. Each treatment period lasted one week. Efficacy was assessed by a standardized exercise test on a bicycle ergometer and a 6-h Holter monitoring at the end of each period.