Healthy Skepticism Library item: 9395

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Naccarelli GV, Dougherty AH, Jalal S, Shih HT, Gilman J.
Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST): interpretation of the findings and effect on drug development and prescribing practices
Hospital Formulary 1992 Aug; 27:792-793, 797-798, 801-802, 805

Abstract:

The effect of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST) on drug development and prescribing practices is discussed. The primary interpretation of the CAST data is that class C anti-arrhythmic drugs (encainide hydrochloride, flecainide acetate, moricizine hydrochloride, and imipramine hydrochloride) appear to be dangerous and increase mortality in asymptomatic postmyocardial infarction patients. The CAST findings also had a significant impact on drug development and the FDA approval process. It was concluded that the outcome of this trial will lead to slower, or even nonexistent, anti-arrhythmic drug development.