Medications for Arrhythmias

Question 1

Class 1a Antiarrhythmic Drugs MOA

Answer 1

quinidine

PROLONG Q-T interal
SLOW conduction and INCREASE refractory period
Used for SVT and Ventricular arrhythmias

Question 2

Sodium Channel Blockers

Answer 2

1a quinidine, proainamide, disopyramide
1b lidocaine
1c flecainide

Question 3

Class 1b antiarrhythmic Drugs MOA

Answer 3

lidocaine

does NOT prolong Q-T Interval
Decreased automaticity
Used in Ventricular arrhythmias

Question 4

Class 1c Antiarrythmic Drugs

Answer 4

flecainide

PROLONGS QRS
Used for SVT
VERY DANGEROUS in pts w/ structural heart diseases (MI, HF, CAD)

Question 5

Class II Antiarrythmic drugs

Answer 5

Beta Blockers - propanolol

Used for sympathetic stimulation (SVTs and VTs)
AE’s - bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm

Question 6

Class III Antiarrythmic Drugs

Answer 6

Potassium Channel Blockers - amiodarone

used for SVT and VTs
Prolong QT dangerously (torsades de pointes)
MANY AEs
Worsening QT prolongation

Question 7

What medications do Amiodarone interact with?

Answer 7

Digoxin - increased levels to toxicity
Warfarin - creates a wacky INR

Question 8

Class IV Antiarrythmic Drugs

Answer 8

Calcium Channel Blockers - diltiazem and verapamil (non-dihydropyridine

Used for SVTs slowing AV conduction
AEs - bradycardia and hypotension (rare)

Question 9

Adenosine

Answer 9

ULTRA short -acting, blocks SA and AV node used for SVTs

anticipate asystole but will go away

Question 10

Atropine

Answer 10

may help with bradycardia caused by AV nodal block