Initial clinical experience of lorcainide (Ro 13-1042), a new antiarrhythmic agent.

Lorcainide is a promising antiarrhythmic agent that belongs to the class of local anesthetics. It was tested in 7 patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias that were resistant to other antiarrhythmic agents. Lorcainide was effective in all cases (complete disappearance of arrhythmias in 6 cases and more than 50% disappearance in the 7th case), and the tolerance was within acceptable limits. The drug was effective at rest, as assessed by 24-h dynamic electrocardiographic monitoring, and during physical exercise. Longer studies with more patients are warranted, since the drug appears to be a promising antiarrhythmic agent.