A broad class of pharmaceuticals known as antiarrhythmics is used to treat irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias. These drugs help to keep the heart's electrical signals within a normal range by interfering with them. The following are a few typical antiarrhythmic drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers, Procainamide: This drug slows the electrical impulses in the heart by blocking sodium channels. For ventricular and atrial arrhythmias, it is frequently utilized. Low blood pressure, heart failure, and lupus-like condition are possible side effects. Lidocaine: This medication primarily treats ventricular arrhythmias by obstructing sodium channels. In cases of ventricular tachycardia and other crises, it is especially helpful. Dizziness, disorientation, and drowsiness are common adverse effects. Beta-Blockers Metoprolol: This beta-blocker is useful in treating supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias since it lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Weariness, lightheadedness, and freezing hands or feet are possible side effects. Atenolol: Used for a variety of arrhythmias, atenolol shares similarities with metoprolol. Although bradycardia, or a slowed heart rate, and exhaustion are possible adverse effects, it lessens the strain on the heart. Potassium Channel Blockers, Amiodarone: This strong antiarrhythmic extends the duration of action potentials and is used to treat ventricular and atrial arrhythmias. Serious adverse effects include liver damage, thyroid malfunction, and pulmonary toxicity are possible. Sotalol is a potassium channel blocker used to treat ventricular and atrial arrhythmias. It may result in QT prolongation, which raises the possibility of torsades de pointes, a potentially fatal arrhythmia. Calcium Channel Blockers, Verapamil: This medication blocks the heart's calcium channels and is mostly used to treat supraventricular arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation. Constipation, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure are among the side effects. Diltiazem: Used to treat supraventricular arrhythmias, diltiazem functions similarly to verapamil. It may result in adverse consequences like edema, headaches, and dizziness. Other Heart-Stoppers: Digoxin: Used to treat atrial fibrillation and heart failure, digoxin is not in the usual class but does increase the force of heart contractions. Visual abnormalities, nausea, and vomiting are possible side effects. Because some medications can have major side effects or interact with other medications, they need to be closely watched. Doses are changed in accordance with the patient's response and the particular arrhythmia. Patients must pay great attention to the directions given by their healthcare professional and report any troubling symptoms as soon as possible.
