What is the best antiarrhythmic drug?

What is the best antiarrhythmic drug?

Amiodarone, dofetilide, dronedarone, and sotalol are class III agents, potassium channel blockers that lead to prolongation of QT interval and possible ventricular arrhythmias or torsades de pointes. Amiodarone is considered the most potent antiarrhythmic agent.

Is propafenone safer than amiodarone?

Previous reports have demonstrated that oral amiodarone and propafenone are equally effective and safe in the termination of chronic [17] as well as acute-onset AF [18,19]. They have also shown that propafenone has a faster effect than amiodarone in terminating recent-onset AF [18].

Is propafenone better than amiodarone?

Conclusions: Amiodarone and propafenone were superior to sotalol in maintaining long-term normal sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation. Amiodarone tended to be superior to propafenone, though its long-term efficacy was limited by adverse side effects.

What is an Antidysrhythmic drug?

Antidysrhythmic agents, which are also known as antiarrhythmic agents, are a broad category of medications that help ameliorate the spectrum of cardiac arrhythmias to maintain normal rhythm and conduction in the heart.

What is the best medication for fast heart rate?

Beta-blockers – can be used to slow down your heart rate, and improve blood flow through your body. You may take this drug if you have been diagnosed with irregular heartbeats, or high blood pressure. Some examples of this medication may include: Metoprolol (Lopressor®), propanolol (Inderal®), and atenolol (Tenormin®).

What is the drug of choice for atrial fibrillation?

Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are the drugs of choice because they provide rapid rate control. These drugs are effective in reducing the heart rate at rest and during exercise in patients with atrial fibrillation.

What does propafenone do to the heart?

Propafenone is used to prevent irregular heartbeats such as atrial fibrillation (AF) from occurring again in patients who do not have structural heart disease. Propafenone belongs to the group of medicines known as antiarrhythmics. It works directly on the heart tissue and will slow the nerve impulses in the heart.

What is an alternative to propafenone?

The shortage of propafenone may have led to the shortfall of flecainide. For instance, medSask, a Saskatchewan drug information program, was recommending flecainide as an alternative to propafenone when that drug ran out, says Carmen Bell, a pharmacist with the service.

Can you take propafenone and amiodarone together?

Interactions between your drugs Using propafenone together with amiodarone can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening.

What is the difference between an antiarrhythmic and a Antidysrhythmic?

Antidysrhythmics, also known as antiarrhythmics, are drugs used to prevent abnormal cardiac rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation. These drugs work by blocking sodium, potassium, and calcium channels in the heart muscles.

What can I drink to lower my heart rate?

When the body is dehydrated, the heart has to work harder to stabilize blood flow. A 2017 study found that a 335-milliliter drink of water could reduce resting heart rate over a 30-minute period.

How long should you take propafenone?

The typical dosage is 150 mg every 8 hours. Your doctor may increase your dosage after 3–4 days to 225–300 mg taken every 8 hours. The safety and effectiveness of propafenone haven’t been established in people younger than 18 years.

Can you take propafenone long term?

Additionally, the incidence of toxicity was directly related to age. We conclude that side effects are frequent during long-term propafenone therapy, but most are mild, dose related, and do not limit the use of the drug. Drug discontinuation because of an adverse reaction is only infrequently required.

Is propafenone a beta blocker?

Abstract. Aims: Propafenone is a well-known Class Ic antiarrhythmic agent. It has the typical chemical structure of a beta-blocker, but human studies on its beta-blocking effects revealed conflicting results.