Atrial fibrillation (pharmacologic cardioversion): IV: Initial: 3 mg/kg (maximum dose: 339 mg) over 10 minutes. If conversion to sinus rhythm does not occur within 15 minutes after the end of the initial infusion, a second infusion of 2 mg/kg (maximum dose: 226 mg) over 10 minutes may be administered (Camm 2011; Kowey 2009; Pratt 2010; Roy 2008; Simon 2017). If hemodynamically stable atrial flutter is observed after the first infusion, the second infusion may be administered to convert to sinus rhythm. Cumulative doses >5 mg/kg should not be administered within 24 hours; cumulative doses >565 mg have not been evaluated. Note: Stop the infusion promptly and do not administer second dose if these events occur shortly after the first infusion: Sudden drop in blood pressure or heart rate, with or without symptomatic hypotension or bradycardia; hypotension; bradycardia; ECG changes (such as a clinically meaningful sinus pause, complete heart block, new bundle branch block, significant prolongation of the QRS or QT interval, changes consistent with ischemia, infarction, or ventricular arrhythmia).
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
No dosage adjustment necessary
No dosage adjustment necessary; use caution in advanced hepatic impairment (has not been adequately studied)
Refer to adult dosing.
No
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution, Intravenous:
Brinavess: 500 mg/25 mL (25 mL)
Not available in the US
IV: For IV infusion only in a monitored clinical setting. Do not administer by IV push or bolus. Must dilute concentrate before use. Infuse over 10 minutes using an infusion pump (preferred) or a syringe pump. If conversion to sinus rhythm occurs during either the first or second infusion, continue the infusion to completion.
Note: Not approved in the US
Atrial fibrillation (pharmacologic cardioversion): Rapid conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm for nonsurgical (atrial fibrillation duration: ≤7 days) and postcardiac surgery patients (atrial fibrillation duration: ≤3 days)
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) includes this medication among its list of drugs that have a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
>10%:
Cardiovascular: Hypotension (4% to 13%)
Gastrointestinal: Dysgeusia (18%)
Respiratory: Sneezing (13%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Atrial flutter (2% to 10%), bradycardia (2% to 8%), ventricular arrhythmia (≤6%), hypertension (1% to 2%), first degree atrioventricular block (1%), ventricular tachycardia (1%)
Central nervous system: Paresthesia (7%), dizziness (3% to 4%), fatigue (1% to 3%), feeling hot (2%), infusion site pain (2%)
Dermatologic: Hyperhidrosis (3%), pruritus (3%)
Gastrointestinal: Nausea (5% to 6%), oral paresthesia (2%), vomiting (1%), diarrhea (≤1%)
Respiratory: Cough (4%), nasal discomfort (2%), dyspnea (≤2%)
<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Abdominal distress, abdominal pain, agitation, altered sense of smell, angina pectoris, anosmia, anxiety, arterial thrombosis, arthralgia, asphyxia, atrioventricular block, back pain, blurred vision, bowel urgency, cardiogenic shock, catheter site erythema, chest discomfort, chest pain, chills, confusion, constipation, cystitis, decreased hemoglobin, decreased serum potassium, decreased urine output, drowsiness, dyspepsia, ecchymoses, erythema, eye irritation, fever, flushing, hematuria, hyperkalemia, hyperthyroidism, hyperventilation, hypoesthesia, hypokalemia, increased blood urea nitrogen, increased gamma-glutamyl transferase, increased lacrimation, increased serum AST, increased serum creatinine, injection site pruritus, injection site reaction, insomnia, irritation at injection site, left bundle branch block, limb pain, malaise, mitral valve insufficiency, muscle spasm, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, nasal congestion, nasopharyngitis, nodal arrhythmia, oral hypoesthesia, oropharyngeal pain, orthopnea, pain at injection site, pallor, palpitations, peripheral edema, prolonged QT interval on ECG, pulmonary edema, rales, rhinitis, rhinorrhea, right bundle branch block, sinoatrial arrest, sinus bradycardia, skin rash, supraventricular extrasystole, supraventricular tachycardia, syncope, throat irritation, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary retention, urinary tract infection, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular premature contractions, visual impairment, weakness, widened QRS complex on ECG, xerostomia
Hypersensitivity to vernakalant or any component of the formulation; severe aortic stenosis; systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg; heart failure class NYHA III or NYHA IV; acute coronary syndrome or acute decompensated heart failure within the last 30 days; significant prolonged QT at baseline (eg, uncorrected >440 msec); congenital or acquired long QT syndrome; severe bradycardia, sinus node dysfunction; second- or third-degree heart block in the absence of a properly functioning pacemaker; use of intravenous class I or class III antiarrhythmics within 4 hours prior to or after vernakalant administration
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Atrial flutter: May be associated with a higher incidence of converting to atrial flutter within the first 2 hours postdose; risk is increased in patients taking class I anti-arrhythmics. Monitor patients closely. If atrial flutter occurs with signs of hemodynamic instability or development of 1:1 atrioventricular (AV) conduction, discontinuation should be considered.
• Bradycardia: Serious bradycardia has been reported during or following infusion (most occurring soon after conversion to sinus rhythm). If bradycardia occurs, discontinue therapy promptly; however, some events of bradycardia requiring electrical pacing have been reported.
• CNS effects: May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks that require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery, driving).
• Hypotension: Hypotension, some serious and/or severe, has been reported during and immediately following infusion. Observe patients carefully, assessing vital signs and continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring, during infusion and for ≥2 hours after administration. If hypotension occurs or a sudden drop in blood pressure or heart rate, with or without symptomatic hypotension or bradycardia occurs, discontinue promptly. Resuscitation equipment and the capability to place a temporary pacemaker should be readily available. Use with caution in patients with systolic blood pressure (SBP) <105 mm Hg at the time of initiation of infusion (these patients have a 3-fold increased incidence of hypotension). Use is contraindicated with SBP <100 mmHg. Risk of hypotension is increased in those with heart failure; use cautiously in those with stable NYHA Class I to II symptoms (contraindicated in patients with NYHA Class III or IV heart failure).
• QT prolongation: May occur. Use is not recommended in patients with a family history of long QT syndrome unless a diagnosis of long QT syndrome has been definitively ruled out. Discontinue use promptly if ECG changes (eg, clinically meaningful sinus pause, complete heart block, new bundle branch block, significant prolongation of the QRS or QT interval, changes consistent with ischemia, infarction, ventricular arrhythmia) occur.
Disease-related concerns:
• Cardiovascular disease: Use caution in patients with HF class NYHA I or II. Use in patients with previously documented LVEF ≤35% is not recommended. Use caution in patients with valvular heart disease (higher incidence of ventricular arrhythmia and bradycardia in the first 2 hours postdose). Use is not recommended in patients with clinically meaningful hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy, or constrictive pericarditis. Use is contraindicated in those with NYHA Class III to IV heart failure.
• Hepatic impairment: Use is not recommended in advanced hepatic impairment (not adequately studied).
• Hypokalemia: Correct potassium levels prior to use in patients with uncorrected hypokalemia (ie, serum potassium <3.5 mmol/L).
Dosage form specific issues:
• Sodium: Some products may contain sodium. Use caution in patients on a sodium controlled diet.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Appropriate use: Not recommended for conversion of atrial flutter to sinus rhythm. Patients should be anticoagulated in accordance to guidelines before and after treatment with vernakalant to reduce the risk for thromboembolic complications after return to normal sinus rhythm.
Substrate of CYP2D6 (minor); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential
Amiodarone: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Amiodarone. Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Amisulpride (Oral): QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Amisulpride (Oral). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even greater risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Azithromycin (Systemic): QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Azithromycin (Systemic). Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ceritinib: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Ceritinib. Ceritinib may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Chloroquine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Chloroquine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Citalopram: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Citalopram. Risk X: Avoid combination
Clarithromycin: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Clarithromycin. Risk X: Avoid combination
Clofazimine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Clofazimine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
CloZAPine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of CloZAPine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Dasatinib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Dasatinib. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Domperidone: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Domperidone. Risk X: Avoid combination
Doxepin-Containing Products: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Doxepin-Containing Products. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Droperidol: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Droperidol. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Encorafenib: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Entrectinib: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
Erythromycin (Systemic): QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Erythromycin (Systemic). Erythromycin (Systemic) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Management: Avoid concomitant use of erythromycin and class III antiarrhythmic agents. Use of erythromycin with dronedarone is specifically contraindicated. Risk X: Avoid combination
Escitalopram: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Escitalopram. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Fexinidazole: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
Fingolimod: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
Flecainide: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Flecainide. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Flupentixol: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Flupentixol. Risk X: Avoid combination
Gadobenate Dimeglumine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Gadobenate Dimeglumine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Gemifloxacin: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
Gilteritinib: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If use is necessary, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and arrhythmias. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Halofantrine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Halofantrine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Haloperidol: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Haloperidol. Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Lacosamide: Antiarrhythmic Agents (Class III) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Lacosamide. Specifically the risk for bradycardia, ventricular tachyarrhythmias, or a prolonged PR interval may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Levofloxacin-Containing Products (Systemic): May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
Levoketoconazole: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Levoketoconazole. Risk X: Avoid combination
Lidocaine (Topical): May enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Antiarrhythmic Agents (Class III). Antiarrhythmic Agents (Class III) may increase the serum concentration of Lidocaine (Topical). This mechanism specifically applies to amiodarone and dronedarone. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lofexidine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Lofexidine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Methadone: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Methadone. Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Midostaurin: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Midostaurin. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Moxifloxacin (Systemic): QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Moxifloxacin (Systemic). Risk X: Avoid combination
Nilotinib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Nilotinib. Risk X: Avoid combination
OLANZapine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of OLANZapine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ondansetron: QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Ondansetron. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Osimertinib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Osimertinib. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Pentamidine (Systemic): QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Pentamidine (Systemic). Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Pilsicainide: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Pilsicainide. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Pimozide: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Pimozide. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk X: Avoid combination
Piperaquine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Piperaquine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Probucol: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Probucol. Risk X: Avoid combination
Propafenone: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
QT-prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk - Avoid): May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias when these agents are combined. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk C: Monitor therapy
QT-prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk - Caution): May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias when these agents are combined. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk C: Monitor therapy
QT-prolonging Class IA Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk): May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk): May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of other QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Risk X: Avoid combination
QT-prolonging Kinase Inhibitors (Highest Risk): May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
QT-prolonging Miscellaneous Agents (Highest Risk): QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Miscellaneous Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
QT-prolonging Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk): QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk). QT-prolonging Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk) may increase the serum concentration of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
QT-prolonging Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk): QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk). QT-prolonging Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate Risk) may increase the serum concentration of QT-prolonging Class III Antiarrhythmics (Highest Risk). Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
QUEtiapine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QUEtiapine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Ribociclib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Ribociclib. Risk X: Avoid combination
RisperiDONE: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the CNS depressant effect of RisperiDONE. QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of RisperiDONE. Management: Consider alternatives to this drug combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Sodium Stibogluconate: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Sodium Stibogluconate. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. If combined, monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Sparfloxacin: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Sparfloxacin. Risk X: Avoid combination
Thioridazine: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Thioridazine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Toremifene: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Toremifene. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Vemurafenib: QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Vemurafenib. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination. Patients with other risk factors (eg, older age, female sex, bradycardia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, heart disease, and higher drug concentrations) are likely at greater risk for these toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Adverse events have been observed in animal reproduction studies. Agents other than vernakalant are currently recommended when pharmacologic cardioversion is needed in pregnant females with atrial fibrillation (Regitz-Zagrosek [ESC 2018]).
It is not known if vernakalant is present in breast milk.
Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed infant, breastfeeding is not recommended by the manufacturer.
Signs/symptoms of a sudden decrease in blood pressure or heart rate or significant QT prolongation for the duration of the first infusion and for at least 15 minutes after the completion of the infusion with assessment of vital signs and continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring; if a second dose is administered, further monitor for the duration of the second infusion; monitor for at least 2 hours after cessation of infusion, and until clinical and ECG parameters have stabilized; potassium (prior to initiation of therapy)
Anti-arrhythmic that acts preferentially on the atrial with limited effects on ventricular tissues. It is a multi-ion channel blocker, which inhibits several potassium and sodium currents. This results in prolongation of atrial refractoriness and rate dependent slowing of atrial conduction to suppress atrial re-entry. It has little impact on currents involved in ventricular repolarization.
Onset of action: Rapid
Distribution: Vd: ~2 L/kg; extensively and rapidly distributed in the body
Protein binding: 37% to 47%
Metabolism: Hepatic, via CYP2D6 O-demethylation in CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers to the active metabolite RSD1385 (Finnin 2010) and glucuronidation in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers
Half-life elimination: ~3 hours (CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers) and ~5.5 hours (CYP2D6 poor metabolizers)