Antiarrhythmic medications are a group of drugs used to manage and treat abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias. These medications work by modifying the electrical signals in the heart to restore or maintain a normal heart rhythm. They are categorized into different classes based on their mechanism of action. While this summary provides a general overview, it's essential to recognize that each antiarrhythmic medication has specific indications, dosages, potential side effects, and contraindications. Therefore, for comprehensive information and guidance, individuals should refer to the medication package inserts and consult with their healthcare provider.
Propafenone (Rythmol):
- Category: Class IC antiarrhythmic
- Dose and Frequency: Typically 150-300 mg every 8 hours
- Common Side Effects: Dizziness, upset stomach, changes in taste
- Monitoring: Frequent blood works may be needed
- Routine Monitoring: ECG monitoring
- Interaction with Food: Take with food to reduce stomach upset
- Cautions: Use with caution in kidney or liver disease, and in elderly patients.
Flecainide (Tambocor):
- Category: Class IC antiarrhythmic
- Dose and Frequency: Dosing varies; usually 50-100 mg every 12 hours
- Common Side Effects: Dizziness, visual disturbances, nausea
- Monitoring: Regular monitoring may be necessary
- Routine Monitoring: ECG monitoring
- Interaction with Food: Can be taken with or without food
- Cautions: Avoid in patients with structural heart disease, kidney or liver issues, or elderly individuals.
Amiodarone (Cordarone):
- Category: Class III antiarrhythmic
- Dose and Frequency: Varies widely; typically started in the hospital
- Common Side Effects: Fatigue, tremors, skin discoloration
- Monitoring: Frequent blood works and ECG monitoring are essential
- Routine Monitoring: Thyroid function, liver function, lung function, and eye exams
- Interaction with Food: No specific dietary restrictions
- Cautions: Use with caution in kidney or liver disease, and in elderly patients.
Sotalol (Betapace):
- Category: Class III antiarrhythmic
- Dose and Frequency: Dosing varies; typically 80-160 mg twice daily
- Common Side Effects: Dizziness, fatigue, slow heart rate
- Monitoring: Regular monitoring of kidney function and electrolytes
- Routine Monitoring: ECG monitoring
- Interaction with Food: Can be taken with or without food
- Cautions: Avoid in patients with severe kidney disease or certain heart conditions.
Dofetilide (Tikosyn):
- Category: Class III antiarrhythmic
- Dose and Frequency: Hospital initiation, followed by dosing based on kidney function
- Common Side Effects: Dizziness, chest pain, headache
- Monitoring: Frequent kidney function checks are crucial
- Routine Monitoring: ECG monitoring
- Interaction with Food: Should be taken with food
- Cautions: Only available through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program due to potential risks.
Dronedarone (Multaq):
- Category: Class III antiarrhythmic
- Dose and Frequency: 400 mg twice daily with meals
- Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, skin rash
- Monitoring: Periodic liver function tests
- Routine Monitoring: ECG monitoring
- Interaction with Food: Should be taken with meals
- Cautions: Avoid in severe liver or heart failure, and in elderly patients.
Mexiletine (Mexitil):
- Category: Class IB antiarrhythmic
- Dose and Frequency: Varies widely; typically 200-300 mg every 8 hours
- Common Side Effects: Nausea, tremors, dizziness
- Monitoring: Regular monitoring may be necessary
- Routine Monitoring: ECG monitoring
- Interaction with Food: Can be taken with or without food
- Cautions: Use with caution in kidney or liver disease, and in elderly individuals.
Disopyramide (Norpace):
- Category: Class IA antiarrhythmic
- Dose and Frequency: Varies widely; typically 100-200 mg every 8 hours
- Common Side Effects: Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision
- Monitoring: Regular monitoring may be necessary
- Routine Monitoring: ECG monitoring
- Interaction with Food: Can be taken with or without food
- Cautions: Avoid in certain heart conditions and glaucoma patients.