Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Effects of an Oral Sustained-Release Preparation of Disopyramide Prescribed for Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis

Abstract

Aims: We evaluated the clinical pharmacokinetics of a sustained-release preparation of disopyramide phosphate (DSR) and its effects on supraventricular arrhythmias in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Eight hemodialysis patients with either paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) or PSVT plus paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (Paf) were given 150 mg of DSR 2 h before each hemodialysis. The frequency of PSVT, the duration of Paf before and 2 weeks after starting DSR and the blood concentration of the drug were evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference between serum levels of DSR before and after hemodialysis. The frequency of PSVT and the duration of Paf were significantly reduced by the therapy. Side effects and electrocardiographic abnormalities did not appear during the period. Conclusion: We conclude that hemodialysis does not remove DSR, and that a single dose of 150 mg of DSR given 2 h before hemodialysis is safe and sufficient to reduce the incidence of supraventricular arrhythmias.