Crossover comparison of cibenzoline and quinidine in ambulatory patients with chronic ventricular arrhythmias

This study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of cibenzoline and quinidine in ambulatory patients with ventricular arrhythmias. Following washout of previous antiarrhythmic treatment, a 48-h ambulatory electrocardiographic (ECG) recording was obtained. Twenty-seven patients were screened, of whom 20 met the entry criteria of ≥ 30 ventricular premature beats (VPBs)/h. Cibenzoline was started at 130 mg every 12 h and was increased to 160 mg every 12 h if necessary. Quinidine was started at 300 mg every 6 h and was increased to 400 mg every 6 h if necessary. Treatment was assessed by 24-h ambulatory ECG recording. Efficacy was defined as > 75% reduction in single VPBs, > 90% reduction in paired VPBs, and total abolition of ventricular tachycardia events. A 7-day washout with repeat 24-h ambulatory ECG recording to document return of ventricular arrhythmias was required prior to crossover. Efficacy was documented in 9 of 20 (45%) patients receiving cibenzoline and in 9 of 20 (45%) patients receiving quinidine. Response to cibenzoline 130 mg every 12 h was documented in 8 of 20 (40%) patients and in 1 of 11 (9%) patients receiving cibenzoline 160 mg every 12 h. Response to quinidine 300 mg every 6 h was documented in 8 of 20 (40%) patients and in 2 of 6 (33%) patients receiving 400 mg every 6 h. Dose-limiting side effects occurred in 1 of 20 (5%) patients receiving cibenzoline and in 7 of 20 (35%) patients receiving quinidine. Cibenzoline and quinidine are equal in efficacy, but cibenzoline is significantly better tolerated.