cardiovascular disorders
Medications for Arrhythmias
Introduction
The need for treatment of Overview of Arrhythmias depends on the symptoms and the seriousness of the arrhythmia. Treatment is directed at causes. If necessary, direct antiarrhythmic therapy, including antiarrhythmic drugs, Most antiarrhythmic drugs are grouped into 4 main classes (Vaughan Williams classification) based on their dominant cellular electrophysiologic effect (see table Antiarrhythmic Drugs (Vaughan Williams Classification) ). Class I Antiarrhythmic Drugs : Class II Antiarrhythmic Drugs : Class III Antiarrhythmic Drugs : Class IV Antiarrhythmic Drugs : Digoxin,adenosine, andivabradinewere not included in the original Vaughan Williams classification.Digoxinshortens atrial and ventricular refractory periods and is vagotonic, thereby prolonging AV nodal conduction and AV nodal refractory periods. Adenosineslows or blocks AV nodal conduction and can terminate tachyarrhythmias that rely upon AV nodal conduction for their perpetuation. inhibits the SA node funny current and slows SA node rate. More inclusive updates to the Vaughan Williams classification have been proposed ( Antiarrhythmic drug reference ). 