Anti-arrhythmic meds Flashcards
How many classes of antidysrhythmic also called anti-arrhythmic drugs are there?
4
Class 1 is known as what?
Sodium channel blockers
Sodium channel blockers slow what?
Cardiac conduction velocity
Sodium channel blockers are divided into three (3) groups 1A,1B & 1C True or False
True
What is the Class 1A Sodium Channel blocker’s action?
Slows impulses in the atria, ventricles & His-Purkinje fibers
Which conditions or therapeutic uses are known in Class 1A?
*** Long-term suppression of supraventricular tachycardia ( SVT), Ventricular tachycardia ( V-Tach) Atrial Flutter & Atrial fibrillation
A good thing to remember! if a drug ends in pine it is most likely a Calcium Channel Blocker- can you name a few? there are a few exceptions like Verapamil
Amlodipine, ( brand name Norvasc) nicardipine,( brand name Cardene) felodipine ( brand name Plendil), nifedipine ( brand name Procardia
Verapamil ( Isoptin), a Calcium Channel Blocker that decreases what?
Heart rate
Since there are four(4) main classification groups of antidysrhythmics can you name them?
- Sodium channel blockers 2. Beta-adrenergic blockers 3. Potassium channel blockers 4) Calcium channel blockers
What is the main concern for antidysrhythmic medications?
Medication toxicity
Class ll medications are Beta-adrenergic blockers ( known as beta blockers) what is the action?
To slow the heart rate in response to stress
A tip to remember is that beta-blockers are ALL named with the suffix lol or olol so this is good to memorize- can you name a few?
- Propranolol ( Brand name Inderal), Metoprolol tartrate ( Brand name Lopressor & Metoprolol ( Toprol XL, Atenolol ( Tenormin)
What arrhythmias are beta-blockers used for?
Atrial Fibrillation, * A Flutter, Severe recurrent ventricular tachycardia
What are the complications or adverse effects of a beta-blocker?
Hypotension, bradycardia, heart failure,
Beta-blockers are contraindicated in persons with asthma why?
There is evidence of bronchospasm
Potassium channel blockers- what is the action of this class?
Delays repolarization & Dilates coronary blood vessels
What cardiac conditions are potassium channel blockers used?
Conversion of atrial fibrillation ( oral route), recurrent V-Tach * V-Fib,
What is an adverse effect of a potassium channel blocker?
Dry cough, shortness of breath & chest pain
Can you name a potassium channel blocker?
Amiodarone
What nursing actions are important with potassium channel blockers?
Monitor B/P & ECG, Monitor for indications of heart failure-dyspnea, cough, chest pain, neck vein distension & crackles- also report a visual disturbance s
Class IV is Calcium channel blockers- can you name one Rx?
Verapamil (Calan) Diltiazem (Cartia XL)
What is the expected action of a Calcium Channel Blocker? ( think decrease)
Decrease the force of contractions & decreases heart rate
When is Verapamil used? for what dysrhythmias?
A-Fib & A Flutter ( to slow the ventricular rate)
What are the adverse effects of a Calcium Channel Blocker?
Bradycardia, hypotension, heart failure, AV block, constipation & peripheral edema
What are some contraindications for Calcium Channel Blockers?
Severe hypotension, severe heart failure, IV form is contraindicated in V-Tach & ** for patients taking beta blockers or digoxin ( can increase the chance for heart block) * no grapefruit juice because it can reduce verapamil metabolism hence toxicity
What is the goal of antiarrhythmic medications?
Prevent abnormal electrical impulses or stop an abnormal impulse by blocking the membrane hence sodium, potassium & calcium channels
True or false Beta-Blockers & Calcium Channel Blockers are the primary or first line of defense?
True
