Effectiveness of nupercaine hydrochloride and phenobarbital sodium in the suppression of ventricular tachycardia associated with acute myocardial infarction

In 22 dogs with ventricular tachycardia accompanying myocardial infarction, Nupercaine hydrochloride was found to be a potent suppressor of ectopic impulses. When used alone Nupercaine also produced vomiting and convulsive movements. When combined with morphine, vomiting was eliminated, but convulsions still occurred. When combined with phenobarbital sodium or pentobarbital sodium, the ectopic impulse suppressor action of Nupercaine was enhanced and both vomiting and convulsive movements were prevented. The duration of ectopic impulse suppressor action was significantly greater in the phenobarbital-Nupercaine experiments than in any other group. No deaths occurred.