Evaluation of the efficacy of lower dose sotalol on symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral sotalol treatment for symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(PAF). Methods There were 24 patients with PAF. Sotalol was given at dosage 20 mg per 12 h and then increased 20 mg per 2 days. After 2 weeks,the patients were evaluated by 24 h ambulatory Holter. Results All patients had completed the trial. The effective rate was 58.3%. The 24 h average heat rate was decreased from (80.2±6.8)beats/minute at baseline to (65.8±8.4) beats/minute after treatment(P0.01). Q-T interval was prolonged from( 0.38±0.02) s at baseline to (0.40±0.02) s after treatment(P0.01). Conclusion Sotalol is effective in decreasing the attack frequency of symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. When it is used at 120 mg/d, a little side effect is found, sotalol is an effective and safe antiarrhythmic drug.