Studies on the possible mechanisms of lidoflazine arrhythmogenicity

Lidoflazine is a calcium channel blocking agent that is effective and safe in the treatment of angina pectoris, but has been reported to be associated with sudden death when administered for the treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias. Studies were performed in dogs to determine if lidoflazine caused a rise in serum digoxin concentration that could cause arrhythmias or if it was directly arrhythmogenic. Dogs received chronic injections of digoxin and then digoxin in combination with lidoflazine. No increase in digoxin concentration was found. Dogs also underwent programmed electrical stimulation while not receiving medications and then after incremental doses of lidoflazine administered intravenously. Lidoflazine did not cause spontaneous ventricular tachycardia and did not lower the threshold of ventricular tachycardia induction. Combined administration of lidoflazine and digoxin did not facilitate arrhythmia induction. These studies do not support a digoxin-lido-flazine interaction or a direct arrhythmogenic action of lidoflazine.