THE EFFECT OF NEW DRUGS ON THE RHYTHMIC FUNCTION OF THE HEART.

Epinephrine and related drugs (sympathomimetic amines) are the only compounds which effectively increase the rhythmic function of the heart. Effects of two new non-pressor sympathomimetic compounds were observed. One of these compounds, the isopropyl homologue of epinephrine, was found to be about five times more active than epinephrine.From clinical observations on the action of a new cardiac depressant drug, alpha-fagarine, it was concluded that the drug is very effective but that toxic reactions are unpredictable. The potency of alpha-fagarine and related compounds suggests the possible development of chemically related non-toxic drugs having an effective cardiac depressant action.