Amiodarone and beta blockade - is the whole better than parts?

Journal of Clinical and Basic Cardiology 2000; 3 (3): 205-207

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Keywords: Amiodaron,  Betablocker,  Mortalität,  amiodarone,  beta-blocker,  mortality

Amiodarone and beta-blockers are the two most widely used antiarrhythmic drugs. Although these agents share similar properties, they also have distinct pharmacological, pharmacokinetic and electrophysiological differences. Recent data suggest that when these agents are given as a combination, a synergistic interaction can occur with a beneficial effect on clinical outcome. Although the exact nature of this interaction remains unknown, the individual characteristics of one agent may be protective under conditions, which may negate or prevent the other agent from being effective. The purpose of this article is to review some of the individual differences between these two drugs that may explain their synergistic interaction when combined. J Clin Basic Cardiol 2000; 3: 205-207.