THE ACTION OF NEOSTIGMINE IN SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIAS

Abstract

Supraventricular tachycardias of sinus, auricular and nodal origin can be successfully treated by the admn. of 1 mg. of neostigmin methylsulfate intramusc. The action of this drug is predicated in these instances by its stimulating effect on the vagus nerve. That slowing in sinus tachycardia occurs is borne out by ecg. studies on patients. In the case of paroxysmal auricular and nodal tachycardias, this drug induces a heart block of varying degree, as shown by ecg. studies. In these cases heart block of first and second degree occurs. No case of complete block was found. After the block, normal sinus rhythm was restored.