A pharmaceutical composition is provided, which comprises an aqeous solution containing a mixture of di- and tri-sodium salts of echinochrome in an amount of 0.90 to 1.10 g/ml (Histochrome). It meets the requirements that apply to injectable formulations. Administration of Histochrome reduces by 57% the necrosis zone in patients with acute myocardial infarction, restores the contractility of the left ventricle, reduces the incidence of reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias and exerts an antiarrhythmogenic effect. Histochrome suppresses the aggregation of erythrocytes and thrombocytes, produces a beneficial effect on the clinical course of the disease, reduces the incidence of complications and lethal outcomes in cases of acute myocardial infarction. It is well tolerated by patients.
This application is a continuation of the U.S. national stage designation of PCT application no. RU99/00249, filed Jul. 21, 1999, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
