In rats, two phenyl rings linked to the quaternary
carbon atom of epicainide undergo metabolic attack by
the mono-oxygenases. The hydroxylation and
subsequent methylation of one of the hydroxy groups
in the phenyl rings are predominant degradation
reactions of epicainide. In contrast, the phenyl rings of
epicainide remain unchanged in man. The degradation
reaction mainly occurs in the ethylpyrrolidine ring,
resulting in N-deethylation, subsequent oxidation of
the pyrrolidine moiety, and reduction or hydrolysis of
the amide function of epicainide.
