Efficacy of intravenous injection of amiodarone and propafenone for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Objective To compare the efficacy and security of amiodarone and propafenone on paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.Methods Sixty-two patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were randomly divided into two groups:amiodarone(n=32) and propafenone(n=30)group.In amiodarone group,150mg amiodarone was injected intravenously firstly,then continuously pumped with 1mg/min for 6 hour and with 0.5mg/min for 18 hours in proper order. In propafenone group,70mg propafenone was given intravenously.Results The conversion rate to sinus rhythm was 81.25%(26/32) in amiodarone group and 70.00%(21/30)in propafenone group(P0.05).The side effect was 15.6%(5/32) in amiodarone group and 23.3%(7/30) in the propafenone group(P0.05).Conclusion It is suggested that intravenous injection of amiodarone is more effective and safe than propafenone for rapid conversion of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm.