Heart pill hopes dashed: atrial fibrillation study shut down after just 3 patients
NCT ID NCT04594746
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a single high dose (2000 mg) of the heart medication amiodarone, taken by mouth, could safely and quickly restore normal heart rhythm in people with acute atrial fibrillation. The trial planned to include both hospital and outpatient settings, but was terminated early after enrolling only 3 participants. Because it stopped so early, we cannot learn much from it about how well the treatment works.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Amiodarone hydrochloride (a heart rhythm medication)
What this could lead to
If it had succeeded, this could have pointed toward a simple, single-dose pill to quickly restore normal heart rhythm in atrial fibrillation patients.
What could go wrong
The trial was terminated early with only 3 participants, so no reliable conclusions can be drawn. High-dose amiodarone also carries risks like lung or thyroid problems.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada