The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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To discuss the clinical pharmacology of the antiarrhythmic drug ibutilide in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFl). ⋯ Ibutilide appears to be an effective alternative method for rapid conversion of recent-onset AF or AFl. The drug may be particularly useful in patients who have undergone recent cardiac surgery or those who are not ideal candidates for DCC. Although studies suggest that the risk of proarrhythmia and in particular torsade de pointes is relatively low, caution is advised until additional experience is gained in clinical practice.