nifekalant

Nifekalant is a Class III antiarrhythmic agent primarily used for the acute management of life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Developed by Mitsui Pharmaceuticals in Japan, it functions as a selective blocker of the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current ($I_{Kr}$), which is mediated by the hERG channel. By inhibiting this current, nifekalant prolongs the action potential duration and the effective refractory period in cardiac myocytes without significantly affecting the conduction velocity or possessing significant beta-adrenergic or calcium channel blocking properties. It is typically administered intravenously in emergency or intensive care settings to stabilize heart rhythm and is notable for its relatively pure Class III profile compared to other agents in its class.

Brand names

Shinbit

Other names

nifekalant hydrochloride尼非卡兰