The effects of increasing doses of cibenzoline (-2(2,2-diphenylcyclopropyl)-2-imidazoline, Cipralan), a new compound with antiarrhythmic properties, on systemic hemodynamics and regional myocardial performance were studied in anesthetized pigs. Doses of 0.5-2.0 mg kg-I i.v. produced a 10-15% prolongation of the PP' interval, and a dose-dependent increase (up to 60%) in QRS width, with only minor changes in PQ and ST length. Stroke volume decreased dose dependently (20-35%) immediately after drug administration, due to a decrease in myocardial contractility and an increase in systemic vascular resistance. Renal blood flow was unchanged, despite the decrease in cardiac output. Coronary blood flow decreased, while myocardial O2 extraction was unchanged. Hence myocardial 0, consumption decreased parallel to the decrease in flow, a consequence of the lowered myocardial 0, demand. Studies with radioactively labeled microspheres revealed that the decrease in myocardial blood flow was equally distributed over the transmural layers.