The FDA Approves New Nasal Spray

For those living with sudden, frantic heart rhythms, relief has traditionally required a trip to the emergency room for an intravenous injection. However, a new breakthrough is shifting that power back into the hands of the patient. The FDA recently approved a self-administered nasal spray designed to slow a racing heart right when it starts, often working in under 30 minutes.

What is PSVT?

The medication, known as etripamil (Cardamyst), was greenlit in December 2025 to treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). This condition is characterized by a heart rate that can suddenly skyrocket to as high as 200 beats per minute.

The unpredictability of PSVT is one of its greatest challenges—episodes might strike multiple times in a single day or stay dormant for years. While some bouts resolve on their own without much notice, others persist, leaving people feeling

• Lightheaded or dizzy

• Short of breath

• Palpitations or a "racing" sensation in the chest

How Effective is It?

The approval comes on the heels of a study involving nearly 700 patients. The results were significant: 64% of participants who used etripamil during a PSVT episode saw their heart rhythm return to normal within half an hour. In contrast, only 31% of those using a placebo experienced the same relief.

How to Use It

The treatment is straightforward and designed for use outside of a hospital setting:

1. Initial Dose: One spray in each nostril during a flare-up.

2. Follow-up: If the heart rate hasn't stabilized after 10 minutes, a second dose can be administered.

What to Expect: Side Effects

Because the medication is delivered through the nose, most side effects are localized and relatively mild. Users commonly reported:

• Nasal discomfort or stinging

• A runny nose

• Minor throat irritation

The Big Picture: This approval marks a major milestone in cardiac care. By allowing patients to manage PSVT episodes at home, etripamil offers a level of independence and convenience that was previously impossible for those prone to rapid heart rhythms.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

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