Abstract

Dronedarone (Multaqa®) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation

Author(s): Nadzeya Kuzniatsova, Burak Pamukcu and Gregory YH Lip

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing as well as the population is aging. Currently the therapeutic options for the maintenance of sinus rhythm are limited and many older antiarrhythmic drugs often have severe adverse effects causing discontinuation. Recent studies indicated that dronedarone, a multiple ion channel inhibitor, may be a safer but less effective alternative to amiodarone for the maintenance of sinus rhythm in paroxysmal AF and for reducing hospitalizations associated with AF. In this article, we aim to summarize available experimental and clinical trial-derived data over dronedarone’s efficacy, safety and indications, to express our opinion on its potential value for AF patients and to discuss its implementation to daily clinical practice for the management of AF.