Antiarrhytmic Drugs 2

Question 1

What are the treatment approaches for atrial fibrillation ?

Answer 1

• rhythm control: restore and maintain sinus rhythm

- rate control: control ventricular rate while allowing atrial fibrillation to continue

Question 2

What kind of drugs are RATE CONTROL for atrial fibrillation?

Answer 2

Slows down conduction through AV node; prevents atrial fibrillation from becoming ventricular fibrillation;

↑ PR interval: Class 2, Class 4 and digoxin

Question 3

If there are signs of ventricular fibrillation, what type of drug would you go for: rhythm or rate control

Answer 3

RATE CONTROL

Question 4

What classes of drugs are used for rhythm control in atrial fibrillation?

Answer 4

• Class 1A and 1C but the adverse effects of 1A makes them not used. So will use 1C: flecainide and propafenone
• Class III

Question 5

Rate control drugs:

Answer 5

• calcium channel blockers and β blockers (class 4 and 2) are the most commonly used
• digoxin (in patients with ↓ EF or CHF)
• amiodarone