Propranolol (Inderal) in Persistent Ventricular Fibrillation

Abstract

We report three cases of recurrent episodes of ventricular fibrillation controlled by propranolol (Inderal) given intravenously. In one patient with acute myocardial infarction this treatment was life-saving. Dangers of propranolol may include hypotension, particularly in patients with extensive underlying myocardial damage. In such patients care should be exercised in administering propranolol; a maximum intravenous dose of 10 mg. is recommended. Propranolol was of value in controlling digitalis-induced ventricular fibrillation. Propranolol may be of value as a prophylactic agent in patients with mild myocardial infarction. © 1965, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.