Compositions for Reducing the Incidence of Drug Induced Arrhythmia
In accordance with the present invention, novel methods and formulations are provided for treating and preventing the incidence of drug-induced pro-arrhythmia, including torsades de pointes. The methods and formulations comprise a combination of a drug that induces torsade de pointes, such as Class III antiarrhythmics, certain antimicrobials, antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, diuretics, with an aspirin and/or a statin. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods for treatment comprise azimilide and aspirin and/or a statin. These compositions may be administered by different routes, including orally. In certain embodiments where the antiarrhythmic is azimilide it may be administered orally in a dose of about 25 mg to about 300 mg.
1 . A method for reducing the incidence of drug induced torsades de pointes comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a combination, comprising at least one drug and at least one statin or aspirin.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said at least one statin comprises simvastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, or atorvastatin.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein said active is a Class III antiarrhythmic.
4 . The method of claim 3 wherein the Class III antiarrhythmic is selected from the group consisting of sotalol, amiodarone, dofetilide, azimilide, cibenzoline, and bunafitidine.
5 . The method of claim 4 wherein the antiarrhythmic is azimilide.
6 . The method of claim 5 wherein the azimilide is administered daily in amounts from about 50 mg to about 300 mg.
7 . The method of claim 6 wherein both an aspirin and a statin are administered.
8 . A kit for reducing the incidence of drug induced torsades de pointes comprising unitary doses of drug and unitary doses of an aspirin or a statin.
9 . The kit of claim 8 wherein the drug is a Class III antiarrhythmic.
10 . The kit of claim 9 wherein the drug is azimilide.
11 . The kit of claim 8 further comprising a means for aiding the memory.
12 . The Kit of claim 9 wherein both aspirin and statin are contained within.
13 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a combination of a drug that induces torsades de pointes and an aspirin or statin.