Treatment of Paroxysmal Auricular or Nodal Tachycardia With the Vasopressor Drug, Neosynephrine

Four nonhypertensive patients with idiopathic paroxysmal tachycardia of supraventricular origin were given neo-synephrine intravenously in amounts sufficient to increase the systolic blood pressure 30 to 40 mm of Hg. In 2 of these the attacks had persisted for several hours in spite of all mechanical methods of treatment and administration of mecholyl. In all 4 cases the rhythm reverted to normal within one minute after the injection of neosynephrine. This is considered to be produced by reflexes from the carotid sinuses and aortic arch. Occasional ventricular beats occurred during the 2-minute period after the return to the normal sinus rhythm. Blood pressure returned to normal within 4 to 8 minutes after the injection.