Dronedarone: Where Does it Fit in the AF Therapeutic Armamentarium?

Dronedarone is a derivative of amiodarone with similar mechanisms of action (blocking calcium, potassium and sodium channels in addition to having anti-adrenergic effects). Compared to amiodarone it has fewer drug interactions (though it can interact with all current anticoagulants), more limited risk of organ toxicity, a much shorter half-life with no need for a loading regimen, but lower efficacy. Dronedarone is approved for the treatment of atrial fibrillation; has had limited studies for other arrhythmias; and has no adverse drug-ICD interactions reported. Clinical trials have resulted in only one dosing regimen (400 mg bid, to be taken with food) and have demonstrated both rate and rhythm effects in atrial fibrillation (AF). Dronedarone slows the ventricular response, can prolong the time to/reduce recurrences of/ reduce progression of AF, and reduce the incidence of hospitalization in AF patients with risk-prone markers. However, trials have also revealed an increased risk of mortality and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes from dronedarone when given to patients in heart failure. The details of these trials, additional pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic information, and recommendations concerning the use of dronedarone are provided in the full manuscript that follows.