Miscellaneous antiarrhythmics

Question 1

How does the drug Adenosine work as an antiarrythmic in regard to A1 receptors?

Answer 1

Activates A1 receptors in the Sa and AV nodes to increase K+ efflux.

Ultimately this increases SA hyperpolarzation to slow rate and slows AV conduction velocity.

Question 2

How does Adenosine effect A2 receptors?

Answer 2

These increase endothelial calcium conduction leading to the increased production of nitric oxide.

Question 3

What is adenosine most commonly used for?

Answer 3

Most commonly used for the conversion of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia caused by reentry involving accessory bypass pathways.

Question 4

What are the therapeutic uses for the drug magnesium?

Answer 4

Magnesium is used in treatment of torsades de pointes and digitallis induced arrhythmias.

Question 5

How can Atropine be used in arrhythmias?

Answer 5

Produces a vagal block to increase heart rate.

Question 6

How can isoproterenol be used to treat bradycardia?

Answer 6

B1 stimulated increase in HR.