Medications Used for Brugada Syndrome

Brugada syndrome is characterized by an abnormal heartbeat. It can lead to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) or sudden cardiac death (SCD). An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to diagnose the condition. A Brugada sign is an arrhythmia that the ECG can detect.  The Brugada sign does not necessarily indicate Brugada syndrome. Persons with Brugada syndrome may experience fainting, palpitations, and irregular heartbeats. Other possible symptoms include syncope (sudden fainting), seizures, and memory loss.  Brugada syndrome typically occurs during sleep.

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) can be used for Brugada syndrome. The ICD is a small device that prevents SCD from occurring by regulating the electrical activity of the heart. An ICD is used for those at an increased risk of SCA or SCD. Isoproterenol (Isuprel) is a beta agonist medication that stops arrhythmias and may benefit certain persons with the condition who experience recurrent arrhythmias within a short period of time. Quinidine (Quinaglute) is an antiarrhythmic medication that may also be prescribed for this purpose. However, persons with Brugada syndrome typically should not take other types of antiarrhythmic medications, because they could actually worsen the condition.