Bretylium Tosylate
Bretylium Tosylate is an antiarrhythmic medication historically used to treat life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, particularly ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Originally developed as a class III antiarrhythmic, it was administered intravenously or intramuscularly in hospital settings for acute cardiac emergencies.
An older antiarrhythmic agent (now largely discontinued) used for serious ventricular arrhythmias that works by altering cardiac electrical activity.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1737
- Generic
- Bretylium Tosylate
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Bretylium Tosylate was used for acute treatment of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. It was reserved for cases where other antiarrhythmics were ineffective or contraindicated.
Bretylium Tosylate acts as a class III antiarrhythmic by blocking the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic nerve terminals and prolonging the action potential duration and refractory period in cardiac tissue. This helps stabilize irregular electrical activity in the heart.
Bretylium Tosylate has been largely discontinued in clinical practice due to the availability of safer and more effective alternatives like amiodarone. It could cause significant side effects including hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Its use required careful hemodynamic monitoring. This medication is rarely, if ever, prescribed today.
Official drug label
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy