Pharm: Heart Therapy Review

Question 1

Antiarrhythmic classes known to prolong QT interval.

Answer 1

Class IA (quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide)
Class III (amiodarone, sotalol)

Question 2

Main side effect of Quinidine.

Answer 2

Diarrhea

Question 3

Main side effect of Procainamide.

Answer 3

Lupus-like symptoms

Question 4

Why doesn’t lidocaine treat atrial fib or tachycardia?

Answer 4

Only works on ventricles.

Question 5

3 beta blockers known to improve survival in HF patients.

Answer 5

1. Metoprolol Succinate (extended release)
2. Carvedilol
3. Bisoprolol

Question 6

Indication for Dofetilide.

Answer 6

Atrial fib and flutter

Question 7

Only drug proven to decrease mortality in ventricular tachycardias.

Answer 7

Sotalol

-however overuse can prolong QT and lead to TdP

Question 8

To prevent sudden cardiac death in patients, what is the mode of treatment for patients that have:

1. MI
2. V. tach or V. fib
3. Patients with V tach undergoing CABG

Answer 8

1. Beta blockers
2. Defibrillator + amiodarone or sotalol (if patients decline a defibrillator just give the meds)
3. Already doing a heart surgery so just ablate the hyperactive automaticity sites

Question 9

Best treatment for TdP.

Answer 9

Magnesium

-can also do a pacemaker if they don’t want medication

Question 10

Drug of choice for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).

Answer 10

Adenosine

Question 11

Main ACE-I that causes rash.

Answer 11

Captopril: caused by sulfhydryl functional group

Question 12

Best diuretic to give a HF failure patient with renal insufficiency and sulfa allergies.

Answer 12

Ethacrynic Acid