Antiarrhytmic Drugs 2 Flashcards
1
Q
What are the treatment approaches for atrial fibrillation ?
A
- rhythm control: restore and maintain sinus rhythm
- rate control: control ventricular rate while allowing atrial fibrillation to continue
2
Q
What kind of drugs are RATE CONTROL for atrial fibrillation?
A
Slows down conduction through AV node; prevents atrial fibrillation from becoming ventricular fibrillation;
↑ PR interval: Class 2, Class 4 and digoxin
3
Q
If there are signs of ventricular fibrillation, what type of drug would you go for: rhythm or rate control
A
RATE CONTROL
4
Q
What classes of drugs are used for rhythm control in atrial fibrillation?
A
- Class 1A and 1C but the adverse effects of 1A makes them not used. So will use 1C: flecainide and propafenone
- Class III
5
Q
Rate control drugs:
A
- calcium channel blockers and β blockers (class 4 and 2) are the most commonly used
- digoxin (in patients with ↓ EF or CHF)
- amiodarone