Prophylaxis against ventricular arrhythmias in suspected acute myocardial infarction: a comparison of tocainide and disopyramide.

288 patients admitted to a coronary care unit with suspected acute myocardial infarction (202 subsequently confirmed to have had myocardial infarction). Key exclusions: recent treatment with beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents, life-threatening arrhythmias requiring specific treatment, and left ventricular failure presenting with hypotension or pulmonary oedema.

Tocainide 500 mg intravenously over 30 min plus 2800 mg orally over 48 h OR Disopyramide 150 mg intravenously over 30 min plus 1050 mg orally over 48 h.

Matching placebo given by a combination of intravenous infusion and oral administration (double dummy technique used).

Counts of ventricular premature beats over the first 48 h period.surrogate