Этацизин

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Этацизин

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Method of action: Antiarrhythmic

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Этацизин

What is Etacizine (Этацизин)?

Property Description
Active Ingredient Ethacizine (INN)
Form Tablets (Oral), Solution (Injection)
Pharmacological Class Class IC Antiarrhythmic Agent
General Purpose Stabilization of Cardiac Rhythm
Origin Synthetic, Phenothiazine Derivative

Etacizine (Ethacizine) is a specialized, prescription-only antiarrhythmic medication used to control and normalize various heart rhythm disorders, specifically referred to as cardiac arrhythmias. It is officially classified as a Class IC antiarrhythmic agent within the Vaughan Williams classification system, which groups drugs based on their effect on the heart's electrical system.

This classification, clinically recognized by cardiologists, distinguishes Etacizine as a potent, single-ingredient agent that primarily influences the speed of electrical impulse conduction. It is a synthetic compound chemically derived from the phenothiazine group, though its therapeutic role is strictly cardiovascular, separate from other phenothiazine-derived drugs. The medicine is commonly used in patients requiring rhythm correction, such as those with paroxysmal supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia.


Composition and General Therapeutic Purpose

The active ingredient is the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) Ethacizine, known chemically as Diethylaminopropionyletoxycarbonylaminophenothiazine. This agent is known for its pronounced rhythm-stabilizing capacity in specific patient groups. It is available in two primary dosage forms: tablets for oral administration and an aqueous solution intended for injection (parenteral route).

The general therapeutic purpose of Etacizine is to achieve stabilization of the heart's electrical rhythm. It works by acting as a powerful sodium channel blocker, which helps to slow down erratic electrical signaling within the cardiac tissue. This action is intended to help the heart maintain a more stable and controlled beat, supporting the long-term management of various heart rate irregularities.

What side effects are possible with Этацизин?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Etacizine (Этацизин) is structured according to official regulatory documentation, which categorizes adverse reactions based on their frequency of occurrence and the physiological systems affected. Non-cardiac side effects are commonly observed, with official information noting they typically arise within the first one or two weeks of therapy.


Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

The most frequently reported effects, classified as More Common, involve the Nervous System (dizziness, headache) and Gastrointestinal System (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort). General effects such as fatigue and unusual tiredness are also listed as common. Less Common reactions include blurred vision, paresthesias (numbness/tingling), chest pain, shortness of breath, and edema.


Serious Safety Considerations and Restrictions

As a Class IC antiarrhythmic agent, the primary serious safety concern documented in regulatory labeling is the potential for a proarrhythmic effect, which is the worsening of pre-existing irregular heart rhythms or the induction of new ones.

The use of Etacizine is contraindicated in specific patient populations and conditions. These restrictions include individuals with severe cardiac insufficiency (NYHA Class III and IV) and those with expressed disturbances of heart rhythm, such as Class II and III atrioventricular (AV) block. The medication is also contraindicated in children and adolescents younger than 18 years and in patients with hard liver and/or kidney functions disorders.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Этацизин (Ethacizine) is a Class IC antiarrhythmic agent. Overdose with this class of medication is considered a medical emergency and may be associated with high mortality if not promptly treated. Class IC antiarrhythmic intoxication primarily affects the cardiovascular system, including myocardial automaticity, conduction, and contractility.

Clinical Manifestations of Overdose

The earliest reported symptom of overdose is frequently nausea, often occurring within the first 30 minutes following ingestion. This can be followed by serious cardiac symptoms, which may manifest within 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Common and severe clinical manifestations of overdose include:

  • Bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) or, less frequently, tachyrhythmia (abnormally fast heart rhythm).
  • Marked depression of myocardial function, which can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular events.
  • Central nervous system effects may also occur.

Emergency Actions

Immediate medical attention is required at the first suspicion of overdose. Given the potential for fatal outcomes with this class of drug, early diagnosis and primary detoxification are critical. There is no specific antidote for Этацизин overdose. Management typically involves supportive care and includes measures such as:

  • Administration of activated charcoal for gastric decontamination, often performed early after ingestion.
  • Management of cardiac symptoms, which may involve the use of catecholamines or other resuscitative procedures as determined by a healthcare professional.

Contacting emergency services immediately and remaining with the affected individual is the mandatory procedural instruction in an overdose situation.

Therapeutic Uses of Этацизин

The primary therapeutic domain of Этацизин (Etacizine) is addressing certain symptoms associated with cardiac rhythm changes. As a classified antiarrhythmic agent it is generally applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for an irregular heartbeat.

Easing Symptomatic Discomfort

This medication is relevant in clinical settings marked by acute or unstable symptom patterns, and is relevant in conditions where symptoms may intensify temporarily due to heart rhythm changes. It is applicable in scenarios where the heart rhythm issues cause symptoms that interfere with daily comfort. It is used to address symptoms linked to specific rhythm disturbances, such as conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort associated with heart rhythm.

Supporting Functional Stability

Этацизин helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, such as symptoms related to heightened physiological activity that create noticeable physiological strain. It assists with maintaining functional stability and improved comfort during symptomatic periods.

Quick Fact: Support for Symptoms that Create Noticeable Physiological Strain

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Population Eligibility Rules for Etacizine

Official regulatory documents define strict eligibility criteria for Etacizine, primarily by listing groups and conditions for whom use is absolutely contraindicated or restricted.


Eligibility Status Officially Documented Rules
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults (18 years and older) who do not present with any listed cardiac, organ, or physiological contraindications.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Children under 18 years; pregnant women; women who are breastfeeding (due to drug transfer across the placenta and into breast milk).
Absolute Contraindications (Comorbidities) Severe structural heart disease (e.g., Post-Infarction Cardiosclerosis); Acute Coronary Syndrome (within 3 months); Cardiogenic Shock; Severe Left Ventricular Hypertrophy; Chronic Heart Failure (NYHA Class II or III); severe impairment of hepatic or renal function; severe conduction blockages (e.g., AV Block II/III) without a pacemaker; uncorrected electrolyte disorders.
Eligibility-Related Restrictions Use requires special caution and a reduced initial dose in older adults. Caution is also mandated for patients with milder hepatic or renal insufficiency, Chronic Heart Failure (NYHA Class I), and conditions like Sick Sinus Syndrome.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interaction Map: Interactions with other medicines and products — official regulatory information for Этацизин

Category Official Regulatory Documentation Statement
Medicinal product categories with documented interactions Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Class I Antiarrhythmics, Beta-Adrenergic Blockers, Ethanol-containing products.
Specific interacting medicines (if explicitly listed) Digoxin, Glutamic Acid, Moracizine, Quinidine, Procainamide, Disopyramide, Ajmaline.
Mechanistic basis of interactions (only if stated in label) Formal classification of pharmacodynamic reinforcement (Beta-blockers) and increased plasma concentration of a co-administered drug (Digoxin).
Timing-based interaction rules (if applicable) None documented (no mandatory separation windows required).
Population-specific interaction notes (if applicable) Severe Hepatic Impairment and Severe Renal Impairment are conditions leading to formal contraindication. Caution is formally advised for use in Elderly Patients.
Interaction-related restrictions Absolute restriction against the consumption of Alcohol. Formal contraindication for co-administration with MAOIs and all Class I antiarrhythmics.

Interaction classifications (high-level)

Classification Regulatory Basis
Interaction severity classification (as defined in official documents) Contraindicated Combinations, Required Dose Adjustment (for Digoxin), Absolute Prohibition (Alcohol).
Regulatory basis (EMA / FDA / etc.) Official Prescribing Information from the Russian Federation, serving as the government-approved drug label.
Interaction-context constraints (as defined in official documents) Constraints include monitoring of co-administered drug levels and organ function limits.

Resulting interaction structure

Official regulatory documentation defines the product’s interaction structure primarily through absolute prohibitions involving Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors and all Class I antiarrhythmic agents due to the documented risk of proarrhythmia. A pharmacodynamic reinforcement is officially noted when co-administered with beta-blockers, which enhances the antiarrhythmic effect against arrhythmias linked to physical exertion. Furthermore, the profile mandates an absolute prohibition on alcohol consumption. Co-administration with Digoxin is documented to result in an increase in Digoxin blood serum concentration, leading to a constraint that requires a Digoxin dose reduction. The label also documents that food does not affect the drug’s absorption.

Mechanism of Action

How Этацизин Works

Этацизин (Ethacizine) influences cardiac electrophysiology by engaging several mechanistic domains. Its primary action is the modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels in the myocyte membranes.

The drug binds to and inhibits these fast sodium channels, which reduces the influx of positive ions during the initial rapid depolarization phase (Phase 0) of the cardiac action potential. This molecular interaction decreases membrane excitability and slows the rate of signal transmission.

This immediate molecular effect results in a physiological cascade marked by the deceleration of conduction velocity across the atria, ventricles, and His-Purkinje system. Slowing conduction increases the duration of the effective refractory period, thereby altering signal cycling within excitable cardiac tissue.

Secondary actions of Этацизин include the influence on slow calcium channels and the exhibition of minor beta-adrenergic blocking activity. These additional domains contribute to the overall electrophysiological modulation by adjusting membrane stability and responsiveness to sympathetic input, sustaining a more regulated cellular state.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Ethacizine (Этацизин): Official Administration Guidelines

The usage of Ethacizine is governed by specific instructions for both its form and context of administration, based on regulatory documentation. The medicine is available as oral tablets for long-term control and an intravenous solution for rapid, acute intervention or diagnostic testing.


Administration Scope

Entity Official Guideline
Administration Routes Oral and Intravenous (IV) injection.
Initial Oral Dosing Typically starts at 50 mg to 100 mg per dose.
Maximum Oral Dose The total daily dose is monitored and adjusted up to 300 mg per day in divided doses.
Timing in Relation to Meals Oral tablets can be administered without connection to food intake.
Population Restriction Official labeling restricts the use of Ethacizine in individuals younger than 18 years (a usage limitation).

Procedural Requirements

To ensure appropriate use, official instructions mandate specific procedural steps:

  • Therapy Initiation: The start of treatment is generally advised to take place in a hospital setting under specialized medical supervision.
  • Monitoring: Dose adjustment and continued use require mandatory Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring to track the drug's effects on cardiac intervals.
  • Frequency and Duration: Oral administration follows a divided frequency pattern (e.g., three times daily) and is typically prescribed for long-term maintenance.

This structured protocol ensures that the transition to the chronic oral regimen is guided by objective physiological monitoring and adheres to established dosing limits.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence for Etacizine (Этацизин)

This overview describes the types of scientific studies conducted on Etacizine and the evidence patterns that have been observed. This summary does not provide medical advice or instructions on how to use the medication.


Evidence for Use in Supraventricular Rhythm Disorders

Research has explored Etacizine's use in studies examining stabilization of heart rhythm for conditions that start in the upper chambers of the heart, such as Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and Atrial Flutter (AFL). The studies monitored specific outcomes, including patterns related to the rate of arrhythmia return and the time interval until the first repeat episode. The populations primarily included adults with frequent paroxysmal or persistent AF/AFL, often focused on cohorts defined by the absence of severe underlying heart damage. Studies monitored the recurrence rate over defined time intervals.

What remains uncertain is the long-term risk profile and evidence as characterized by large, prospective randomized trials. The evidence is derived mostly from smaller clinical trials, which may limit how broadly the findings can be applied.


Evidence for Use in Ventricular Rhythm Disorders

This part details the research base for Etacizine's application in studies exploring rhythm abnormalities that originate in the lower chambers, specifically frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) and Recurrent Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia (VT). Researchers primarily examined the total daily count of PVCs/extrasystoles and the presence of complex ventricular arrhythmias. Populations studied included adults with high-grade ventricular disturbances, including those with VT associated with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), often focused on cohorts defined by the absence of severe underlying heart damage. Studies reported measurements of the reduction in ventricular premature beats observed during short-term monitoring.

What remains uncertain is that much of the existing evidence is based on studies with small sample sizes. Long-term data regarding stability and outcomes for all subgroups of ventricular arrhythmias are limited. Existing studies provide limited insight into the patterns of observation for individuals with significant structural heart disease, which is a general consideration for this class of antiarrhythmic agents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Этацизин (FAQ)

Q: How is the mechanism of action of Этацизин described in simple terms for patients?

A: Этацизин is officially classified as a Class IC antiarrhythmic agent. It works by targeting the heart's electrical system, specifically by blocking tiny channels in heart muscle cells that carry sodium ions. This action slows down the speed of electrical signals across the heart muscle, and is intended to support the heart in working toward a more stable rhythm.

Q: Are there official warnings about the risks associated with long-term use of Этацизин?

A: The primary serious warning documented in official labeling is the potential for a proarrhythmic effect, meaning the drug could worsen existing irregular heart rhythms or cause new ones. Official texts note that specific long-term risk profile data is limited, which is why official texts emphasize the need for continuous clinical assessment during long-term use.

Q: What organs, if any, require specific monitoring during long-term Этацизин therapy?

A: Official usage procedures mandate Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring to track the drug's effect on the heart. Additionally, because the drug is contraindicated in people with severe liver and kidney dysfunction, monitoring of these organ functions is often clinically warranted to assess continued eligibility.

Q: What common prescription blood pressure medications are listed as having known interactions with Этацизин?

A: Official documentation lists Beta-Adrenergic Blockers as a category of prescription medicines with known interactions. This co-administration is noted to have the potential for enhanced antiarrhythmic activity.

Q: Does the official literature describe interactions between Этацизин and commonly prescribed antidepressants?

A: According to the official interaction profile, the drug is formally contraindicated for co-administration with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). This restriction is in place due to the documented risk of increasing the toxicity associated with the antidepressant.

Q: What are the official contraindications for use in elderly patients?

A: Official documentation requires special caution and a reduced initial dose when prescribing this medicine to older adults. Official documentation indicates that general restrictions based on severe co-morbidities apply across all adult age groups.

Q: Why might a doctor discontinue Этацизин therapy based on clinical guidelines?

A: The official documents detail the medical reasons for which the drug should not be initiated (contraindications), such as the presence of severe cardiac insufficiency or the worsening of heart rhythm. These reasons are the established clinical criteria that may prompt a physician to discontinue therapy that has already begun.

Q: How is the concept of therapeutic drug monitoring related to the use of Этацизин?

A: Official procedures mandate Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring when starting therapy and for dose adjustments. In cases where the medicine is combined with others, such as Digoxin, the clinical monitoring constraints also include tracking the blood levels of the co-administered drug.

Q: Are there specific warnings for operating heavy machinery or driving while using Этацизин?

A: Common reported adverse reactions include temporary symptoms like dizziness and blurred vision. The label advises caution regarding driving or operating machinery due to these potential side effects.

Q: How is the effect of Этацизин described compared to other Class IC antiarrhythmics like Flecainide in medical reviews?

A: Scientific literature describes Этацизин as being a longer-lasting Class IC antiarrhythmic agent when compared to Flecainide.

Q: Does Этацизин have a known effect on the QT interval according to regulatory documents?

A: The regulatory label mandates ECG monitoring for proarrhythmic effects. This required monitoring procedure includes observing the QT interval on the ECG.

Q: What is the usual half-life or duration of effect for Этацизин in the body?

A: The time it takes for the body to process and eliminate the drug is described by its half-life, which is cited in scientific literature as approximately 2.5 hours. For most medicines, full elimination from the system is considered to take approximately five half-lives.

Q: Is it true that Этацизин is not available or approved in the US or UK, and what are the reasons cited?

A: Official regulatory documents confirm the drug is approved and used in the Russian Federation and other CIS countries. There is no corresponding approval documentation published by the FDA (US) or MHRA/GOV.UK (UK).

Q: Which countries have officially approved Этацизин for use?

A: Official sources confirm the drug is approved and used in the Russian Federation and other countries belonging to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Q: Are there different brand names for the drug Ethacizine?

A: The drug’s active ingredient is Ethacizine. It is known under the trade name Ethacizin (Этацизин) by some manufacturers.

How should Этацизин be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Этацизин (Ethacizine)


Official Storage Conditions

The storage of Этацизин (Ethacizine) tablets must strictly follow the official instructions provided in regulatory labeling to maintain product stability.

Requirement Condition
Maximum Temperature Store at a temperature not exceeding 25°C.
Protection Protect the product from light.
Packaging Store the medicine in its original package.
Child Safety Must be kept out of the reach and sight of children.

Disposal of Unused Medicine

Any unused or expired Этацизин product and waste material must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements for pharmaceutical waste.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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