Nifekalant

Nifekalant

Nifekalant is a Class III antiarrhythmic agent used primarily in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias. It is marketed under the brand name AIF in Japan by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma. Nifekalant was approved for use in Japan in 1999.

Pharmacology

Nifekalant is a potassium channel blocker that prolongs the duration of the action potential and refractory period in myocardial cells. It selectively inhibits the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current (I_Kr) in the heart, which can help to suppress ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.

Clinical Use

Nifekalant is used in the treatment of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, particularly when these conditions are unresponsive to other antiarrhythmic drugs. It is administered intravenously in a hospital setting.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Nifekalant include bradycardia, hypotension, and QT interval prolongation. Less common side effects can include dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Due to the risk of QT interval prolongation, Nifekalant should be used with caution in patients with a history of torsades de pointes or other serious heart conditions.

See Also

• Antiarrhythmic agent
• Ventricular tachycardia
• Ventricular fibrillation