Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs Flashcards
What is normally the primary determinant of the refractory period in cardiac myocytes?
AP duration
In pacemaker cells (SA node/AV node), what causes the initial upstroke (depolarization)?
Ca2+ influx through T and L-type Ca2+ channels
In pacemaker cells (SA node/AV node), what causes diastolic depolarization?
If (funny) current
Inward Na+ current activated at repolarization
What is normally the primary determinant of the refractory period in pacemaker cells?
Time
In general, what are the two problems that can lead to arrhythmias?
Disturbed impulse formation (EADs, DADs)
Disturbed impulse conduction (blocks, reentry)
When do drugs that inhibit Na+ channels bind best to the receptor?
When the M gate is open (during activation of inactivation)
Binds poorly during resting state (M gate closed)
What drug should you give as prophylaxis for the formation of arrhythmias?
No drug!
Anti-arrhythmic drugs do not act specifically and can depress conduction in normal cells, leading to drug-induced arrhythmias. You only use anti-arrhythmics when there is an arrhythmia already present.
List the 4 Vaughan Williams classes of anti-arrhythmic drugs
Class I: Na+ channel blockers
Class II: Beta-adrenoceptor blockers
Class III: Prolongation of AP duration
Class IV: Ca2+ channel blockers
What is the general mechanism of Class I anti arrhythmics?
Na+ channel blockers, slowing the phase 0 upstroke of the AP
Local anesthetic action
What drugs are in the Class IA anti arrhythmics?
Procainamide
Quinidine
Disopyramide
What drugs are in the Class IB anti arrhythmics?
Lidocaine
Mexiletine
What drugs are in the Class IC anti arrhythmics?
Flecainide
Propafenone
What is the effect of Class IA, IB, and IC on the AP duration?
Class IA: Prolongs AP duration
Class IB: Shortens AP duration
Class IC: variable
Procainamide
MOA
Class IA Na+ channel blocker
Blocks the Na+ channel and slows upstroke of the AP
Lengthens APD
Procainamide
Indications
Atrial and Ventricular arrhythmias
Drug of 3rd choice for ventricular arrhythmias after acute MI
Procainamide
Adverse Effects
Ganglion blocking properties
Hypotension
Torsades de Pointes induction through its metabolite (NAPA)
Long term - Lupus syndrome (arthritis, pleuritis…)
Quinidine
MOA
Class IA Na+ channel blocker
Lengthens APD
Quinidine
Indications
Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias
Quinidine
Adverse Effects
Hypotension
Anticholinergic effects - increase sinus rate and AV conduction
Ventricular fibrillation
Torsades de Pointes
Long term - Cinchonism: headache, dizziness, tinnitus
Lidocaine
MOA
Class IB Na+ channel blocker
Shortens APD
Lidocaine
Indications
DOC for ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation
Arrhythmias after MI
Lidocaine
Adverse Effects
Least cardiotoxic among Class I
Hypotension
Neurologic effects due to anesthesia