Anti-arrhythmic drugs: Afib and SVT Flashcards
What is A-fib?
Loss/incoordination of atrial activity
What can A-fib increase the risk of?
-Blood pooling due to inadequate emptying of the ventricle
-Thrombosis
What is SVT?
Tachyarrhythmia originating at the atrial or atrioventricular (AV) nodal tissue
SVT is most commonly due to what?
AV nodal re-entry
Acute SVT can be caused by what?
Alcohol, excessive caffeine, recreational drugs, hyperthyroidism
Vaughan-Williams Classification of Antiarrhythmics for Class Ic?
Na+ channel blockers w/ slow association/dissociation (Flecainide, Propafenone)
Vaughan-Williams Classification of Antiarrhythmics for Class II?
Beta Blockers (Propanolol, Metoprolol)
*Propanolol also shows some class I action
Vaughan-Williams Classification of Antiarrhythmics for Class III?
K+ channel blockers (Amiodarone, Sotalol, Dronedrone, Dofetilide)
*Sotalol is also a BB
*Amiodarone has class I, II, III, and IV activity
Vaughan-Williams Classification of Antiarrhythmics for Class IV?
Ca2+ channel blockers (Verapamil, Diltiazem)
Vaughan-Williams Classification of Antiarrhythmics for Class V?
Work by unknown mechanisms (Adenosine, Digoxin)
Phase 0 of cardiac action potential?
Depolarization (Open Na+ channels)
Phase 1 of cardiac action potential?
Initial Repolarization (K+ leaves)
Phase 2 of cardiac action potential?
Plateau (K+ out, Ca2+ in)
Phase 3 of cardiac action potential?
Rapid Repolarization (K+ rushes out, Ca2+ starts to close)
Phase 4 of cardiac action potential?
Resting potential
MOA of Propafenone?
Blocks fast inward Na+ current, slows increase of action potential, prolongs conduction and refractoriness in all areas of the myocardium, reduced spontaneous automaticity and exhibits some BB activity
Indications for Propafenone?
-A-fib (to prevent recurrence)
-Paroxysmal SVT (to prevent recurrence)
Any change in dosing of Propafenone in geriatric patients?
No, use adult dosing
Renal adjustment for Propafenone?
None (yet use w/ caution as 50% metabolites are excreted through the urine)
Hepatic adjustment for Propafenone?
None (yet consider adjustment if necessary as drug undergoes hepatic metabolism)
ROA for Propafenone?
PO
*swallow whole: do not chew/crush
*with or w/o meals
Side effects of Propafenone?
N/V, loss of strength/energy, constipation, change in taste, headache, anxiety
Frequency of Propafenone?
BID or TID
Seek assistance/report to prescriber for Propafenone when…?
Infection, angina, bradycardia, tachycardia, severe dizziness, passing out, abnormal heartbeat, SOB, excessive wt. gain, swelling in arms/legs, blurred vision
Drug-drug interactions of Propafenone?
-QT prolongation w/ fluoxetine (paroxetine increases serum conc. of Propafenone)
-Apiprazole (increased serum conc. when taken w/ Propafenone)
-May inc. serum conc. levels of BB
Monitoring parameters for Propafenone?
BP, ECG, Pulse
Is Propafenone absorbed well?
Yes
How much of Propafenone is protein bound?
95%
How long does Propafenone take to peak?
3-8 hours
Half life of Propafenone?
2-32 hours
MOA of Flecainide?
Slows conduction in cardiac tissue by altering transport of ions across cell membrane, slight prolongation of refractory periods, decreases rate of rise of action potential w/o affecting its duration
Indications for Flecainide?
-Paroxysmal A-fib
-Paroxysmal SVT (prevention)
Any changes in dosing for Flecainide in geriatric patients?
No, adult dosing used
Renal adjustment for Flecainide?
Decrease dose/interval
Hepatic adjustment for Flecainide?
None (yet use w/ caution, check plasma conc.)
ROA for Flecainide?
PO
*may need to watch dietary changes of milk intake
Side effects of Flecainide?
Headache, dizziness, visual disturbances, dyspnea, nausea, fatigue, tremor
Seek assistance/report to prescriber for Flecainide when…?
Hepatic impairment, angina, severe dizziness, syncope, arrhythmia, bradycardia, tachycardia, dyspnea, excessive wt. gain, edema in extremities, tremors, vision changes, ecchymosis (bleeding under skin), hemorrhage
Disease related concerns for Flecainide?
Contraindicated in those w/ structural heart disease
Drug-drug interactions of Flecainide?
Watch meds w/ QT prolongation effects
Monitoring for Flecainide?
ECG, BP, Pulse, Periodic serum trough concentrations
When does Flecainide peak?
3 hours
Half life of Flecainide?
8-20 hours depending upon age
Selectivity of Metoprolol?
B-1 selective
MOA of Metoprolol?
Select inhibitor of B-1-adrenergic receptors, competitively blocks B-1 R’s w/ little to no efffect on B-2 R’s at oral doses <100mg in adults
Indications for Metoprolol?
-A-fib: acute & maintenance
-SVT: off label use for acute & maintenance
Any dose changes for Metoprolol in geriatric patients?
No, use adult dosing
Renal or Hepatic adjustments for Metoprolol?
None
ROA of Metoprolol?
IV bolus or PO (with food)
Side effects of Metoprolol?
Diarrhea, loss of strength/energy, vomiting, hypotension, dizziness, fatigue
Dose frequency of Metoprolol?
QD or BID
Seek assistance/report to prescriber for Metoprolol when…?
Depression, illogical thinking, memory impairment, severe dizziness, passing out, skin discoloration, sensation of cold, angina, arrhythmias, bradycardia, SOB, excessive wt. gain, swelling of extremities, vision changes
Disease related concerns with Metoprolol?
DM, bradycardia, peripheral vascular disease/Raynaud’s, thyroid disease, depression
Can you withdraw Metoprolol abruptly?
NO, slow taper over 1-2 weeks to avoid rebound tachycardia
Drug-drug interactions with Metoprolol?
NSAIDs, Sulfonylureas, Theophylline
Monitoring with Metoprolol?
IV: ECG, HR, BP
PO: HR, Rhythm, BP
Onset of action for PO Metoprolol?
3-6 hours
Onset of action for IV Metoprolol?
20 min
Half life of Metoprolol?
3-9 hours depending on Hepatic function
MOA of Amiodarone?
Adrenergic stimulation (alpha & beta blocking properties), affects sodium, potassium, and calcium channels, prolongs action potential and refractory period in myocardial tissue, decreases AV conduction and sinus node function
Indications for Amiodarone?
-A-fib: acute, maintenance, off-label
-SVT: not first line, acute
Changes for Amiodarone dosing in geriatric patients?
Adult doses but typically on the lower end of dosing, slow taper
Renal adjustment for Amiodarone?
None
Hepatic adjustment for Amiodarone?
In more severe impairment, dose reduce or avoid
ROA of Amiodarone?
-IV over 1 or more hours
-PO (with food, divide dose if GI upset, avoid grapefruit juice**)
Black box warning/side effects for Amiodarone?
Arrhythmia, pulmonary toxicity
Constipation, N/V, loss of strength/energy, lack of appetite
Seek assistance with Amiodarone if…?
Liver problems, signs of severe pulmonary disorder, signs of thyroid problems, signs of SJS-TEN, bradycardia, vision changes, eye pain, severe eye irritation, sensitivity to light, SOB, bruising/bleeding, joint/muscle pain
Drug-drug interactions of Amiodarone?
-Numerous due to extensive metabolism (CYP3A4, 2C8, 2C9, 2D6, 1A2)
-MAJOR INTERACTION: Sofosbuvir (severe bradycardia)
-Watch w/ meds that have QT prolongation effects
Monitoring for Amiodarone?
BP, HR (ECG) & rhythm throughout therapy, lethargy, edema of hands/feet, weight loss, pulm. toxicity (Baseline PFTs & CXR, continue monitoring CXR annually w therapy), LFTs (semiannually), serum electrolytes (esp. K+ and Mg), thyroid function tests
Onset of Amiodarone?
2 days-3 weeks
Half life of Amiodarone?
40-55 days
How much of Amiodarone is protein bound?
96%
MOA of Dronedarone?
Structurally related to amiodarone.
Inhibits sodium and potassium channels prolonging AP and refractory period in myocardial tissue w/o reverse-use dependent effects, decreases AV conduction & sinus node function through inhibition of calcium channels, Beta-1 R blocking activity
Indications for Dronedarone?
Paroxysmal or persistent A-fib
Any changes in dosing of Dronedarone in geriatric patients?
No, use adult dosing
Renal adjustments for Dronedarone?
None
Hepatic adjustments for Dronedarone?
Contraindicated in severe impairment
ROA for Dronedarone?
PO (w/ morning & evening meal, avoid grapefruit**)
Side effects of Dronedarone?
Diarrhea, N/V, loss of strength/energy, abdominal pain
Frequency of dosing for Dronedarone?
BID