Antiarrhythmics Flashcards
How do you generate an AP in cardiac myocytes? - make reference to the phases
- 0: VGNC > influx of Na+ > rapid depolarisation
- 1: K+ efflux > slight repolarisation
- 2: Ca2+ influx > plateau
- 3: K+ efflux > rapid repolarisation phase
- 4: return to RMP by Na+/K+ATPase
How do you generate the pacemaker potential? - make reference to the phases
- 4: HCN channels open Na+ influx > funny current - intial slow depolarisation
- threshold potential reached
- 0: influx of Ca2+ through L type Ca2+ channels > depolarisation
- 3: efflux of K+ > repolarisation
What is the Vaughan Williams classification?
- class I: block voltage gated Na+ channels
- class II: beta blockers
- class III: potassium channel blocker
- class IV: calcium channel blocker
What are the sub types of class I antiarrhythmics?
Examples
Class IA - procainamide
Class IB - lidocaine
Class IC - flecainide
Example of class IB antiarrhythmics
Lidocaine
What are the uses of lidocaine?
Ventricular tachycardia
Not in atrial arrhythmias
What is the mechanism of action of lidocaine?
Class IB antiarrhythmic
- Weakly blocks voltage gated Na+ channels
- Decreases AP duration + effective refractory period
Adverse effects of lidocaine
Drowsiness + dizziness
N + V
Example of class IC antiarrhythmics
Flecainide
What are uses of flecainide?
Supraventricular arrhythmias
Premature ventricular contractions
Wolff- Parkinson White syndrome
What is the mechanism of action of flecainide?
Class IC antiarrhythmic
- blocks voltage gated Na+ channel
- slows phase 0/depolarisation
- prolong QT interval
- normal effective refractory period + AP
What are the adverse effects of flecainide?
- Drowsiness + dizziness
- N+V
- pro-arrhythmia + sudden death with chronic use
Examples of class II antiarrhythmics
beta blockers
Bisoprolol
Propanolol
Atenolol
Metoprolol
What are the uses of class II antiarrhythmics?
Supraventricular tachycardias
Heart failure
After MI
What is the mechanism of action of class II antiarrhythmics?
Beta blockers
- block B adrenoreceptors
- decrease sympathetic activity on heart > reduces cAMP levels > reduces Ca2+ influx
- slows AP
- prolongs repolarisation at AV node
- increased PR interval
What are the adverse effects of class II antiarrhymics?
Hypotension
Fatigue
Bronchospasm