Abstract
Repeated measurements of lidocaine serum levels during antiarrhythmic treatment were performed by enzyme-immunoassay (EMIT) in 16 patients with acute myocardial infarction. In 12 cases the frequently employed standard dose (100 mg i.v. followed by infusion of 2 mg/min) was not sufficient to reach optimum lidocaine levels (2-5 mg/1) during the first 2 hours. In this period 6 patients had persistent ectopic beats and required additional bolus injections and increased infusion rates. Lidocaine elimination was delayed in patients with heart failure, which led to potentially toxic drug accumulation in 3 instances. This study indicates the need for individual adaptation of lidocaine dosage in patients with myocardial infarction, especially where left ventricular function is impaired. Monitoring of serum lidocaine levels by a rapid and reliable assay such as the EMIT system may greatly facilitate this task.
| Translated title of the contribution | Measurement of serum levels for adaptation of antiarrhythmic therapy with lidocaine |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Pages (from-to) | 1007-1010 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift |
| Volume | 110 |
| Issue number | 26 |
| Publication status | Published - 1980 |
| Externally published | Yes |