Experimental Anti‐Arrhythmic Properties of Melperone, a Neuroleptic Butyrophenone

Abstract

The neuroleptic butyrophenone, melperone, was compared with antiarrhythmics, neuroleptics, .alpha.-blockers and .beta.-blockers in various experimental arrhythmias. Melperone 0.01-1 mg/kg i.v. antagonized ouabain-induced arrhythmias in conscious rabbits to the same degree as propranolol 2 mg/kg and quinidine 10 mg/kg i.v. probably mainly via a CNS depressive effect. It was considerably weaker than propranolol 2 mg/kg when anesthetized guinea pigs were used. Melperone 0.1-10 mg/kg was inactive against aconitine-induced arrhythmias. Melperone 1-5 mg/kg antagonized adrenaline[epinephrine]-induced arrhythmias in halothane-sensitized guinea pigs like phentolamine 1-5 mg/kg i.v. and was more potent than chlorpromazine, propranolol and quinidine. Melperone might be a type III anti-arrhythmic drug, which at the same time depresses CNS and reduces afterload.