The effectiveness of amiodarone for atrial fibrillation.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect and safety of intravenous plus oral amiodarone for atrial fibrillation(AF) associated with organic heart disease.Methods Thirty-nine patients with AF were initially treated with loading dose of amiodarone(150~300 mg intravenously),followed by intravenous infusion of amiodarone at a rate of 0.6 mg/min for 48 hours plus oral amiodarone.After two weeks,another loading dose of amiodarone (7 g) was given,followed by oral maintenance dose(0.2 g/d).Therapeutic results and adverse reactions were observed.Results Sinus rhythm was restored in 32 patients(82.1%),the cumulative conversion rates were 12.8%, 28.2%,23.1%,and 18.0% at 2 h,2~24 h,24~48 h and 2~7 d,respectively.Sinus bradycardia was observed in 2 patients;nausea and abdominal distension were observed in another patient,which disappeared after dose reduction.Conclusion Intravenous plus oral amiodarone is a effective and safe treatment method for atrial fibrillation associated with organic heart disease.