Reverse use-dependent QT prolongation during infusion of nifekalant in a case of recurrent ventricular tachycardia with old myocardial infarction.

Pure class III antiarrhythmic agents cause reverse use-dependent QT prolongation. Nifekalant is a new class III antiarrhythmic agent and blocks rapid component of the delayed rectifier K+ current (Ikr) selectively. To prevent recurrent ventricular tachycardia in a patient with old myocardial infarction, nifekalant was administered by continuous intravenous infusion. There was little variation in the blood level of nifekalant during the 1-day period, but the QTc interval became shorter with an increase of the heart rate early in the morning. It is therefore considered advisable to monitor the heart rate and QTc interval during administration of nifekalant by continuous intravenous infusion.