OPTICALLY ACTIVE ISOMERS OF QUININE AND QUINIDINE AND THEIR RESPECTIVE BIOLOGICAL ACTION

摘要

The present invention provides methods for purifying, identifying and using optically active isomers of quinine and quinidine as well as compositions comprising such optically active isomers. Such optically active isomers having desired actions on cardiac sodium and potassium channel function substantially separable from undesirable effects on GI motility can be useful for more effective therapy of cardiac arrhythmias. Also disclosed are methods for assaying the levels of such isomers present in the biological fluids.