β-blockers (Class 2 antiarrhythmic drugs)

Question 1

Which group of drugs are classified as class 2 antiarrhythmics?

Answer 1

β-blockers

Question 2

Which β-blockers are used as antiarrhythmic drugs?

Answer 2

Esmolol
Propanolol
Metoprolol

Question 3

β-blockers - indications as antiarrhythmics

Answer 3

Supraventricular arrhythmias
Reduce ventricular ectopic depolarizations.
Prevent sudden death after MI.

Question 4

β-blockers - MOA as antiarrhythmic drugs

Answer 4

Inhibits sympathetic activation of cardiac automaticity and conduction.

Question 5

β-blockers - effects

Answer 5

Slow heart rate.
Decrease AV node conduction velocity.
Increases AV node refractory period.
Little effect on ventricular conduction and repolarization

Question 6

Esmolol - Indications as antiarrhythmic

Answer 6

Acute supraventricular tachycardia or hypertension associated with surgery.

Question 7

Esmolol - Adm

Answer 7

Intravenously

Question 8

Why is esmolol suited best for surgery-associated arrhythmias?

Answer 8

It has a very short half-life.

Question 9

Metoprolol and propanolol - adm

Answer 9

Orally or IV

Question 10

Metoprolol and propanolol - indications as antiarrhythmic drugs

Answer 10

Supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias.

Question 11

Metoprolol can be used in long-term treatment of…

Answer 11

MI: IV dose in early phase, and maintenance therapy for several months.

Question 12

Why are the β-blockers beneficial in the treatment of MI?

Answer 12

They reduce damage by ischemia and free radicals from reperfusion after fibrinolytic drugs