Antiarrhythmics

Question 1

What are antiarrhythmics used for?

Answer 1

• used to manage disturbances of cardiac rhythm
• antiarrhythmics are divided into four classifications in order of there mode of action and effect on the cardiac action potential

Question 2

What are some considerations with antiarrhythmics?

Answer 2

Patient needs to closely monitored, especially during stabilisation and throughout the course of therapy to detect the development of arrhythmics or other adverse effects

Question 3

Explain class I antiarrhythmics agents.

Answer 3

Block sodium channels during phase of action potential, slow repolarisation and have local anaesthetic effects.

Question 4

Explain class Ia antiarrhythmics agents.

Answer 4

• disopyramide (Rythmodan)
• procainamide (Pronestyl)
• quinidine bisulphate (Kinidin durules)

Question 5

Explain class Ib antiarrhythmics agents.

Answer 5

• lignocaine (Xylocard)
• phenytoin (Dilantin)
• mexiletine (Mexitil)

Question 6

Explain class Ic antiarrhythmics agents.

Answer 6

• flecainide (Flecatab, Tambocor)

Question 7

Explain class II antiarrhythmics agents.

Answer 7

Include beta adrenergic antagonists:

• atenolol (Noten, Tenormin)
• esmolol (Brrevibloc)
• metoprolol (Betaloc, Lopressor)

Question 8

Explain class III antiarrhythmics agents.

Answer 8

Increase the duration of the action potential:

• amiodarone (Cordarone X)
• sotalol (Cardol, Sotacor)

Question 9

Explain class IV antiarrhythmics agents.

Answer 9

Calcium channel blockers:

• verapamil (Cordilox, Isoptin)
• diltiazem (Cardizem)