antiarrhythmic medicines

Question 1

e.g of medicines

Answer 1

• lidocaine
• quinidine
• atenolol
• sotalol
• diltiazem

Question 2

how do they work?

Answer 2

• block the impulses that may cause an irregular rhythm therefore reducing blood pressure and heart rate
• therefore treatment aim is to restore and prevent further heart impulses and instread maintain coordinated cardiac muscle contractions

Question 3

conditions where they can be used

Answer 3

atrial fibrillation

• ventricular fibrillation
• AV block
• arterial flutter

Question 4

different classes

Answer 4

class 1

• lidocaine & quinidine
• reduce maximum rate of depolarisation by depressing sodium channels

class 2

• atenolol
• reduce sympathetic activity

class 3

• sotalol
• prolong refractory period

class 4

• diltiazem
• reduces intracellular calcium