AJMALINE IN CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS Ineffectivity or Indifference?

Abstract

Ajmaline, an indolin base, was first isolated from the Indian plant rauwolfia serpentina by Dr. Salimuzzaman Saddiqui (1) and named after Hakim Ajmal Khan, a pioneer of Tib in India. It is a member of a. second group of rauwolfic derivatives whick have no sedative, hypnotic, or hypotensive effects. Arora et al. (1956) in the subcontinent and Kleinsorge (1965) in the Europe confirmed its anti.-arrhythmic efficacy and this has been substantiated” (Ilyas 1970, 1981, Klein et al 1980).

Toxic effects of ajmaline include hypotens ion, decreased cardiac output and atrioventric ular block. It is contraindicated in atrial flutter and severe conduction disorders. Side effects were reported in 3/66 cases (3%: Forster et al. 1966). Rarely ajmaline has been used suicidally by over_dosage (Hager et al. 1968).