Antiarrhythmics Flashcards
How do you identify A fib?
irregularly irregular rhythm, NO P WAVES
Rate of A fib vs A flutter
A fib: usually 100-140 bpm
A flutter: >140 bpm
What are class I antiarrhythmics
Na channel blockers
Na channel blocker examples most often used (according to Kim’s notes)
Flecanide (tambacor)
Rythmol (propafenone)
what are class II antiarrhythmics
beta blockers
beta blocker examples
lopressor/Metoprolol - go to agent
Carvedilol/Coreg
atenolol (Tenormin)
what are class III antiarrhythmics
potassium channel blockers
potassium channel blocker examples
dofetilide (Tikosyn)
sotalol (beta pace)
amiodarone
dronedarone (Multaq)
special considerations with potassium channel blockers
pt must be admitted to hospital for observation when initiating medication b/c can cause QT prolongation
potassium channel blocker CI
- renal dysfunction
2. many drug interactions (other drugs that cause QT prolongation)
Special considerations for amiodarone
very effective but lots of bad side effects
only use short-term or in elderly
What do you have to test when giving amiodarone
- thyroid
- PFTs
- Liver function
what are class IV antiarrhythmics
non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers
non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker examples
verapamil (calan)
diltiazem (cardizem)
Causes of arrhythmia
- Coronary artery disease/MI
- altered impulse formation (ectopic foci, changes in automaticity)
- altered impulse conduction (block of conduction)
- heart failure
- drug/medication induced
- electrolyte disturbance
Three R’s of arrhythmia management
- rate control
- rhythm control
- risk of stroke/need for anticoagulation
Sodium Channel Blockers MOA
block Na channels –> slower conduction of AP
1A - moderate slowing
1B - minimal slowing
1C - maximal slowing
Subclass 1A of Sodium Channel Blockers indications
atrial and ventricular arrhythmias
Subclass 1A of Sodium Channel Blockers examples
procainamide
quinidine
Risk factors for A fib
HTN, DM, obesity, sleep apnea
paroxysmal A fib
goes about 48 hours then stops by itself
Sodium channel blockers classes
1A, 1B, 1C
Sodium channel blockers MOA
slow conduction –> influence QT interval
Where is quinidine initiated
hospital setting b/c can prolong QT interval, risk for ventricular tachycardia
Quinidine S/E
severe GI upset, diarrhea
Quinidine drug interactions
digoxin
warfarin
1B Sodium channel blockers indications
ventricular arrhythmias
1B Sodium channel blockers examples and route of administration
Lidocaine (Xylocaine) - IV
Mexiletine - oral
Mexiletine initiation setting
often in hospital but can be outpatient
Mexiletine S/E
Tremor, seizure, N/V
1C Sodium channel blockers MOA
prolongs the AV node refractory period
1C Sodium channel blockers indications
a fib
1C Sodium channel blockers CIs
CAD, MI, LV dysfunction, ischemic arrhythmia, decreased EF
1C Sodium channel blockers examples
propafenone (rhythmol)
flecainide (tambocor) - will see a lot!
Flecainide initiation setting
outpatient
monitoring when giving flecainide
exercise stress test w/o imaging 1-2 weeks after initiation to evaluate possible QRS widening
what must you always prescribe with flecainide
a rate controlling agent
Flecainide S/E
dizziness, headache, blurred vision