Antiarrhythmics

Question 1

What are the classes of antiarrhythmics?

Answer 1

Class I - Sodium channel blockers.
Class II - Beta Blockers,
Class III - Potassium channel blockers,
Class IV - Calcium channel blockers

Question 2

Name examples of Class I antiarrhythmics

Answer 2

Class IA - Disopyramide.
Class IB - Lidocaine
Class IC - Flecanide

Question 3

Name some examples of Class II antiarrhythmics?

Answer 3

Sotalol, atenolol, propranolol.

Question 4

Name an example of a class III antiarrhythmic and what it is used in

Answer 4

• Amiodarone

- SVTs, VTs, AF and atrial flutter.

Question 5

Name some examples of Class IV antiarrhythmics

Answer 5

• Verapamil and Diltiazem
• Used to prevent recurrence of SVTs and AF.
• Ineffective in ventricular tachycardias

Question 6

What are some unclassified antiarrhythmic drugs?

Answer 6

• Digoxin (useful in heart failure with atrial fibrillation as it increases contractility and reduced heart rate).
• Adenosine (used to terminate SVTs)

Question 7

What drugs can be used in heart block?

Answer 7

Isoprenaline or atropine are used to speed up the heart rate

Question 8

What would be the first line treatment of ventricular tachycardia?

Answer 8

Amiodarone or cardioversion

Question 9

What is the first line treatment for SVT

Answer 9

Adenosine

Question 10

What drugs are used in heart block?

Answer 10

Isoprenaline and atropine