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(Circulation. 1999;100:1242-1248.)
© 1999 American Heart Association, Inc.

Cardiovascular Drugs

Pharmacotherapy of Neurally Mediated Syncope

David G. Benditt, MD; Gerard J. Fahy, MD; Keith G. Lurie, MD; Scott Sakaguchi, MD; William Fabian, MD; Nemer Samniah, MD

From the Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis.

Correspondence to David G. Benditt, MD, University of Minnesota Hospital, Box 508 UMHC, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

Abstract—A wide variety of pharmacological agents are currently used for prevention of recurrent neurally mediated syncope, especially the vasovagal faint. None, however, have unequivocally proven long-term effectiveness based on adequate randomized clinical trials. At the present time, ß-adrenergic receptor blockade, along with agents that increase central volume (eg, fludrocortisone, electrolyte-containing beverages), appear to be favored treatment options. The antiarrhythmic agent disopyramide and various serotonin reuptake blockers have also been reported to be beneficial. Finally, vasoconstrictor agents such as midodrine offer promise and remain the subject of clinical study. Ultimately, though, detailed study of the pathophysiology of these syncopal disorders and more aggressive pursuit of carefully designed placebo-controlled treatment studies are essential if pharmacological prevention of recurrent neurally mediated syncope is to be placed on a firm foundation.

Key Words: syncope • nervous system • pharmacology • Cardiovascular Drugs

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