Compounds of formula ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1-8 alkyl group or a C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl group; R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1-6 alkoxy group or a C.sub.2-5 alkanoyloxy group; and R is a C.sub.1-8 alkyl group or a C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl group; provided that when the compounds contain a 5.beta.-hydrogen atom, R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom, and the D-homo analogues thereof having the group --CO.sub.2 R.sup.3 (wherein R.sup.3 is as defined above) at the 17a.beta.-position, and salts thereof have activity as antidysrhythmic agents and may be applicable for treatment of ventricular dysrhythmias in humans or animals. The compounds may be provided in the form of compositions in admixture with pharmaceutical carriers and excipients and may be prepared by a variety of processes known for producing steroids of this type. The invention also provides intermediates for the preparation of the compounds of formula (I), wherein R.sup.3 and/or R.sup.1 are replaced with hydrogen atoms, and processes for the preparation of such intermediates.
式为##STR1##的化合物,其中:R.sup.1是C.sub.1-8烷基或C.sub.3-7环烷基;R.sup.2是氢原子,C.sub.1-6烷氧基或C.sub.2-5烷酰氧基;R是C.sub.1-8烷基或C.sub.3-7环烷基;但当化合物含有5.beta.-氢原子时,R.sup.2是氢原子,具有在17a.beta.-位置上的--CO.sub.2R.sup.3(其中R.sup.3如上定义)基团的D-同分异构体及其盐具有抗心律失常活性,可用于治疗人类或动物的室性心律失常。这些化合物可以与药物载体和辅料混合形成组合物,并可以通过各种已知用于生产此类类
固醇的方法进行制备。本发明还提供了制备式(I)化合物的中间体,其中R.sup.3和/或R.sup.1被氢原子取代,并提供了制备这些中间体的方法。