Comparison of effects of low dose sotalol and propafenone on arrhythmias

Objective To compare the effect of low dose sotalol(S) and propafenone(P) on arrhythmia and their safety. Methods There were 78 patients with arrhythmia (ventricular V,n=40,supraventricular arrhythmias SV,n=38),divided randomly into S and P groups.S group was given 40 mg/d and then increased 40 mg /d per 2 days.Propafenone was given 450 mg/d.After 2 weeks,the patients were evaluated by 24-hour ambulatory Holter. Results V group:sotalol effective rate was 77.3% and propafenone effective rate was 70.0%(P0.05 between both);SV group:sotalol effective rate was 72.2% and propafenone effective rate was 66.7%(P0.05). Conclusion Low dose sotalol and propafenone are equally effective and safe for preventing the premature ventricular beats and premature supraventricular beats.