Arrythmias & Anti-arrhythmia drugs Flashcards
Class I drugs - Mechanism
Class I anti-arrhythmic drugs block cardiomyocyte Na+ channels and are use-dependent, such that they preferentially block over-active channels
Act to decrease conduction velocity and increase refractory period thereby blocking re-entry arrythmias
Class Ia drugs - Example
Procainamide
Class Ia drugs - mechanism
Moderate class I action (use-dependent Na+ channel blocking) with a moderately slowed upstroke (extended phase 1)
Some class III action - block K+ channels leading to slower repolarization and longer Na+ channel inactivation, leading to a longer refractory period (extended phase 2)
Class Ib drug - Example
Lidocaine
Class Ib drugs - mechanism
Mild Class I action
No significant slowing of Na+ dependent upstroke - no effect on conduction
Increases refractory period
Class Ic drugs - 2 examples
Propafenone
Flecainide
Class Ic drugs - mechanism
Pronounced Class I effect (use-dependent blocking of Na+ channels) producing significantly slowed upstroke (extended phase I)
Mild prolongation of phase 2
Net effect is decreased conduction speed and prolongation of tissue refractory period
Class II drugs - 1 examples
Beta blockers:
Metoprolol
Class II drugs - mechanism
Block signaling through the B-adrenergic receptor; decreases L-type Ca2+ current, If, and Iks leading to reduction in rate of diastolic depolarization in pacing cells, reduced upstroke rate, and slowed repolarization in AV nodal cells
Net effect is slowed pacing (decreased HR) and decreased conduction through AV node
Uses of B-blockers in treating arrythmia
Arrythmias that involve AV nodal re-entry
Controlling ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation
Class III drugs - 2 examples
Amiodarone
Ibutilide
Class III examples - mechanism
Block K+ channels leading to prolongation of phase 2 (extended duration of repolarization) as well as elongated refractory period via increased inactivation of Na+ channels
Amiodarone
Class III drug
Blocks K channels (Class III mechanism) but also decreases conduction velocity and increases refractory period by blocking Na+ channels; also decreases rate of diastolic depolarization (phase 4) in automatic cells, reducing pacing rate
Risk of prolonged QT interval / Torsades
Treatment of Ventricular Tachycardia
Sotalol
Class III drug
Blocks K+ channels (Class III mechanism) but also has some B-blocker activity
Class IV drugs - 2 examples
Verapamil
Diltiazem
Class IV drugs - mechanism
Use-dependent blockers of L-type Ca2+ channels, especially in nodal cells
Blockage of Ca2+ channels in nodal cells causes slowed upstroke and reduced pacing; indirectly causes slower repolarization (increased refractory period) because reduced AP amplitude activates fewer K+ channels
Adenosine - mechanism
Adenosine acts via the A1 receptor at the AV node; the A1 receptor is Gq-linked, which down regulates adenylyl cyclase and cAMP activity; decreased PKA-mediated phosphorylation increases K1 current which hyperpolarizes the AV node, and decreases phase 0 Ca2+ current
Inhibits AV nodal conduction with increased refractory period
Procainamide - Details
Class Ia drug
Side effects: Lupus syndrome (1/3 of all patients on long-term therapy)
Lidocaine - Details
Class Ib drug
Least cardiotoxic agent of all Class I drugs
Side effects: paresthesia, tremors, seizures, agitation, confusion
Esmolol - Details
Class II
Half life of 10 minutes
Side effects: hypotension, bronchospasm, impotenence