A review of the uses and limitations of tocainide--a class IB antiarrhythmic agent.

In conclusion, it appears that tocainide will be an extremely important new antiarrhythmic agent in the armamentarium of the clinical cardiologist (Table V). Its similarity to lidocaine and the predictability of its efficacy in patients responsive to lidocaine is an important note. Its lack of interaction with beta blockers and digoxin is also a promising feature. While tocainide has proven to be effective in the prophylaxis and treatment of patients with both refractory and chronic ventricular arrhythmias, its efficacy is in the approximate range of other class I agents, such as quinidine, procainamide, and disopyramide. Its side effect profile appears to be similar in percentage to the adverse effects of quinidine, but often these side effects are milder, better tolerated, and respond to dosage alteration. Thus, tocainide will undoubtedly prove to be a useful new antiarrhythmic agent, particularly when compared to the currently available antiarrhythmic agents.