[Effect of ethmozine on the automatic function of the sinus node and sinoatrial conduction in patients with normal and impaired function of the sinus node].

In this study involving 45 patients with the normal function of the sinus node and 10 patients showing signs of its damage (n-10), intravenous administration of ethmozine in a dose of 150 mg (1.5-2 mg/kg) exerted atropine like action. In four cases with dysfunction of the sinus node the drug significantly increased the time of the restoration of sinus node function. Ethmozine induced a Stage II sinoatrial block in 3 out of 10 patients with sinus node dysfunction. The above data suggest that ethmozine produces an atropine-like effect on the sinus node. In some patients with sinus node dysfunction, ethmozine may impair the function of the sinus node which calls for caution while employing the drug in such cases. The inhibitory effect of the agent on the sinoatrial conduction in the patients studied suggests that ethmozine may prove an effective antiarrhythmic drug for treating patients with paroxysmal sinoatrial tachycardia.