Pharmacological Characteristics of Antiarrhythmics Flashcards
What is the electrophysiologic effect of Procainamide?
suppresses ectopic pacemaker activity in partially depolarized cells.
reduces conduction velocity (reduced phase O APD).
Also prolongs Action Potential Duration (Class III activity).
When is Procainamide indicated?
Effective in atrial and ventricular conductive arrhythmias or for short-term treatment (i.e. postoperative atrial fibrillation).
Little effect on normal SA, AV node automaticity
Side effects of Procainamide?
- drug induced lupus, (arthralgia, skin rash, pleural and pericardial effusions),
- Torsades de Pointes.
Prominent side effects limit long-term use. Only available acute IV
How is Procainamide metabolized?
undergoes hepatic metabolism (acetylation) and renal excretion of active metabolite (N-acetyl procainamide).
50% of population are slow acetylators (more likely
to develop lupus).
How is Procainamide given?
Available for IV use only (due to risk of lupus with prolonged PO use)
What is Quinidine used for?
atrial, ventricular arrhythmias
Dose-dependent QT prolongation/ Torsades de Pointe (blocks Ikr) and Ventricular Tachycardia /Fibrillation Quinidine syncope (Class III activity)
Side effects of Quindine?
diarrhea, autoimmune thrombocytopenia.
high incidence of side effects, concerns over pro arrhythmia have markedly limited its use (Orphan Drug)
Note about Disopyramide.
prominent vagolytic (atropine-like) effect leads to urinary retention, dry mouth, blurred vision) also negative inotropic effect may precipitate heart failure.
Also rarely used.
What is the electrophysiologic effect of Lidocaine?
Binds to open and inactivated Na+ channels with rapid on-off kinetics (T/2 less than 1sec).
Preferentially binds to Na+ channels in partially depolarized cells to suppress abnormal automaticity.
won’t affect normal HR, only tachycardias
When is Lidocaine indicated?
Highly effective in
suppressing acute ventricular tachycardia.
NOT effective for atrial arrhythmias.
How is Lidocaine metabolized?
orally absorbed but undergoes extensive first pass hepatic metabolism so only effective intravenously.
Eliminated by hepatic
biotransformation.
Side effects of Lidocaine?
CNS, agitation, confusion, seizures (easily missed in CCU).
What is Mexilitine?
Class IB AA like Lidocaine that is an orally effective analogue, but causes frequent GI distress, limiting use.
What is the electrophysiologic effect of Flecainide?
Potent, long-acting Na+ channel blocker (T/2 > 10
seconds). Suppresses automaticity, increases effective refractory period in atria and ventricles.
When is Flecainide contraindicated?
Contraindicated in patients with structural heart disease (i.e. CHF, valvular disease, etc.)!
Proarrhythmic effect in patients with LV dysfunction, CHD, sustained VT.
Increased Mortality post-MI in Coronary Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST)
When is Flecainide indicated?
Mortality not increased in patients with supraventricular arrhythmias (afib, aflutter, PSVT) and no structural heart disease