Antiarrhythmics Flashcards
Describe phases 0-4 of the action potential in cardiac cells
Phase 0- Rapid depolarization Phase 1- Partial repolarization Phase 2- Plateau Phase 3- Repolarization Phase 4- Pacemaker potential
4 mechanisms of arrhythmias
Altered automaticity
Delayed after-depolarization
Re-entry
Conduction block
Factors leading to arrhythmias
Hypoxemia Electrolyte imbalances Acid-base imbalances Myocardial ischemia Altered SNS activity Bradycardia Medications Ventricular hypertrophy
When to treat?
Cannot treat by correcting the underlying cause
Hemodynamic function is compromised
Disturbance predisposes pt to more serious arrhythmia or comorbidity
Non-pharm treatments
Acute-
Vagal maneuvers
Cardioversion
Prophylaxis-
Radio ablation
Implantable defibrillator
Pacing (external, temp, permanent)
Classification of antiarrhythmic drugs
Class I: Sodium channel blockers Class II: Beta blockers Class III: Potassium channel blockers Class IV: Calcium channel blockers Class V: Unclassified drugs
Class I drugs affect which phase of the action potential?
Phase 0, they block sodium channels. This decreases action potential propagation and slows rate of conduction
Class I drugs
IA (won’t see these anymore)
Quinidine
Procainamide
IB
Lidocaine
Lidocaine blocks which type of Na channels? What is it used for?
Fast channels
Useful in VT, V-fib, PVCs especially those associated with ischemia
Lidocaine is ______% protein bound. How is it metabolized?
50
Hepatic metabolism. Has an active metabolite. Metabolism impaired by cimetidine, propranolol, CHF, MI, liver failure, GA. Induced by barbs, phenytoin, rifampin.
Lidocaine adverse effects
Same as LA toxicity
Class IC agent
Flecainide
Class II agents work on what phase? What effects do they have?
Phase 4. Beta-blockers depress spontaneous phase 4 depolarization.
Lowers myocardial O2 needs
Slows conduction through AV node, elongates PR interval
Decreased automaticity
What are class II agents used for?
SVT, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias
Suppress and treat dysrhythmias during MI and reperfusion
Also useful for digoxin toxicity induced dysrhythmias and SVT
Class II agents
Propranolol
Metoprolol
Esmolol
Labetalol (off-label)
Propranolol metabolism and side effects
Highly protein bound, hepatic metabolism with weak metabolite
Bradycardia, hypotension, myocardial depression, fatigue, bronchospasm
Use with caution in reactive airway disease and hypovolemia
Propranolol dose/kinetics
1mg/min IV (total 3-6mg)
2-5 min onset, peak 10-15 min, 3-4 hour duration
Metoprolol dose/kinetics
B1 selective
5mg IV over 5 min, max 15mg, onset 2.5 min, duration 3-4 hours
Metabolized by the liver
Can be used in mild CHF