Simultaneous Assessment of Pharmacokinetics of Pilsicainide Transdermal Patch and Its Electropharmacological Effects on Atria of Chronic Atrioventricular Block Dogs

Pharmacokinetics of pilsicainide transdermal patch and its electropharmacological effects were simultaneously assessed using chronic atrioventricular block dogs. After application of the patch (9.8 mg/kg), pilsicainide was continuously absorbed through the skin with a C(max) of 0.49 +/- 0.13 microg/ml, while its plasma concentration was kept above the clinically reported minimum effective plasma concentration for 2 - 8 h. Inter-atrial conduction time was significantly prolonged, whereas statistically significant prolongation was not detected in the atrial effective refractory period. Prolongation of the cycle length of atrial fibrillation and anti-fibrillatory action were confirmed. Thus, pilsicainide can be absorbed transdermally to exert long-lasting electropharmacological effects leading to anti-atrial fibrillatory action.