Compositions for Reducing the Incidence of Drug Induced Arrhythmia

Abstract

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.