Drug Action
Vernakalant is an anti-arrhythmic drug that blocks potassium and sodium channels in the atria, thereby restoring normal heart rhythm.
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Drug reference
Vernakalant is an anti-arrhythmic drug that blocks potassium and sodium channels in the atria, thereby restoring normal heart rhythm.
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Rapid conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm (specialist supervision in hospital) ▶BY INTRAVENOUS INFUSION ▶Adult: Initially 3 mg/kg (max. per dose 339 mg), followed by 2 mg/kg (max. per dose 226 mg), if conversion to sinus rhythm does not occur within 15 minutes after the end of initial infusion, maximum 5 mg/kg per 24 hours; maximum 565 mg per day DOSE EQUIVALENCE AND CONVERSION ▶Doses expressed as vernakalant hydrochloride.
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Acute coronary syndrome within the last 30 days. baseline QT interval 440 milliseconds or greater. congestive heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction 35%. heart failure (New York Heart Association class III/IV). second- or third-degree heart block (unless pacemaker fitted). severe aortic stenosis. severe bradycardia. sinus node dysfunction. systolic blood pressure less than 100 mmHg
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Haemodynamically stable patients with congestive heart failure (increased risk of hypotension and ventricular arrhythmia). patients receiving oral anti- arrhythmics (class I or III) (risk of atrial flutter). valvular heart disease (increased incidence of ventricular arrhythmia)
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The manufacturer of Brinavess ® has provided a Pre-infusion Checklist and a Healthcare Professional Card.
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→Appendix 1: antiarrhythmics
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▶Common or very common Arrhythmias. cough. dizziness. feeling hot. headache. hypotension. nasal complaints. nausea. oral disorders. sensation abnormal. skin reactions. sweat changes. taste altered. vomiting ▶Uncommon Altered smell sensation. cardiac conduction disorders. cardiogenic shock. chest discomfort. choking sensation. defaecation urgency. diarrhoea. drowsiness. dry mouth. dyspnoea. excessive tearing. eye irritation. fatigue. malaise. pain in extremity. pallor. palpitations. QT interval prolongation. suffocation feeling. syncope. throat irritation. vasodilation. visual impairment SIDE-EFFECTS, FURTHER INFORMATION Discontinue and initiate appropriate treatment if hypotension, bradycardia, ECG changes, or a sudden drop in blood pressure or heart rate occur.
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Manufacturer advises avoid—no information available.
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Manufacturer advises caution—no information available.
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Manufacturer advises monitor blood pressure and ECG during and for at least 15 minutes after completion of the infusion.
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Manufacturer advises for intermittent intravenous infusion in patients with body- weight up to and including 100 kg, dilute to a concentration of 4 mg/mL with 100 mL of Glucose 5% or Sodium Chloride 0.9% or Lactated Ringer’s Solution; give over 10 minutes. Manufacturer advises for intermittent Cardiovascular system intravenous infusion in patients with body-weight more than 100 kg, dilute to a concentration of 4 mg/mL with 120 mL of Glucose 5% or Sodium Chloride 0.9% or Lactated Ringer’s Solution; give over 10 minutes.
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There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Solution for infusion ELECTROLYTES: May contain Sodium ▶Vernakalant (Non-proprietary) Vernakalant hydrochloride 20 mg per 1 ml Brinavess 500mg/25ml concentrate for solution for infusion vials | 1 vial P £290.00 (Hospital only) BETA-ADRENOCEPTOR BLOCKERS › NON-SELECTIVE eiiii F 159
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Driving and skilled tasks Manufacturer advises patients and carers should be counselled on the effects on driving and performance of skilled tasks—increased risk of dizziness.
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Initially 3 mg/kg (max. per dose 339 mg),
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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