Indecainide

Indecainide is a Class Ic antiarrhythmic agent that was primarily used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia. It is no longer in use due to its potential for proarrhythmia, a condition where the drug exacerbates or causes new arrhythmias.

Etymology

The term "Indecainide" is derived from the chemical structure of the compound, which includes an indene ring and a cainide group. The prefix "inde-" comes from the Latin word "indicus", meaning "Indian", referring to the indigo plant from which indene was first derived. The suffix "-cainide" is a common ending for local anesthetics and antiarrhythmic agents, derived from the prototype drug in this class, procainamide.

Pharmacology

Indecainide works by blocking the fast inward sodium current, thereby slowing the rate of rise of the action potential and prolonging the refractory period. This results in a decrease in the conduction velocity of the heart, which can help to control arrhythmias.

Clinical Use

Indecainide was primarily used to treat ventricular tachycardia, a type of rapid heart rhythm originating from the lower chambers of the heart. However, it was found to have a high incidence of proarrhythmia, particularly in patients with structural heart disease. As a result, it is no longer in clinical use.

Related Terms

• Antiarrhythmic agent
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Ventricular tachycardia
• Proarrhythmia

See Also

• Class Ic antiarrhythmic agent
• Procainamide

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