Introduction Beta-adrenoceptor-blocking drugs, commonly known as beta-blockers, are a class of medications with antiarrhythmic properties. These drugs work primarily through their β-receptor-blocking action and direct membrane effects. This article will talk about how Class 2 antiarrhythmic drugs work, how well they work, and how they can be used in therapy. It will mostly focus on…
Introduction Propafenone is an antiarrhythmic agent that falls under subgroup 1C. It shares structural similarities with propranolol and has weak β-blocking activity. Primarily used for treating supraventricular arrhythmias, propafenone has a mechanism of action similar to that of quinidine but with some distinct differences. This article will explore the mechanism of action, adverse effects, and…
Introduction Flecainide is an antiarrhythmic agent classified under subgroup 1C. It is a potent blocker of sodium and potassium channels with slow unblocking kinetics. While it is effective in treating certain types of arrhythmias, its use is associated with significant risks, including a potential increase in mortality. This article will explore the mechanism of action,…
Introduction Mexiletine is an orally active antiarrhythmic agent, classified in subgroup 1B, similar to lidocaine. It is predominantly used for treating ventricular arrhythmias and has proven effective in alleviating chronic pain. This exploration focuses on mexiletine’s electrophysiologic actions, adverse effects, and therapeutic applications. Electrophysiologic Actions Pharmacokinetics Adverse Effects Therapeutic Uses Conclusion Mexiletine is a versatile…
Introduction Lidocaine is a multifaceted medication primarily known as a local anesthetic, but it also has significant roles as an antiarrhythmic and analgesic agent. Classified as a Class Ib antiarrhythmic agent under the Vaughan-Williams classification, lidocaine is particularly effective in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias. This includes its use in managing life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias that…
Introduction Disopyramide is a Class 1a antiarrhythmic agent, primarily used in the treatment of ventricular tachycardia. It functions as a sodium channel blocker, inhibiting conduction by depressing the increase in sodium permeability of cardiac myocytes during the initial phase of the cardiac action potential. This reduces the inward sodium current, leading to an increased threshold…
Introduction Quinidine is a class IA antiarrhythmic agent used to treat heart rhythm disturbances. It is a diastereomer of the antimalarial agent quinine, originally derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. The drug causes increased action potential duration as well as a prolonged QT interval. Cardiac Effects Similarities with Procainamide Unique Features Toxicity Extracardiac…
Introduction Procainamide is a medication primarily used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, which are irregular heart rhythms. It belongs to the class of antiarrhythmic agents known as Group I or Class 1A medications. This class of drugs works by blocking sodium channels in cardiomyocytes, which are the cells in the heart muscle that generate…
Introduction Adrenergic receptors play a pivotal role in regulating physiological processes and are the target of numerous pharmacological interventions. These receptors are broadly classified into α and β types, with further subtypes within each group. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the classification of adrenergic receptors, their functional roles, and their implications…
Introduction Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are critical to pharmacology and medical treatment. These unintended consequences, often termed side effects, adverse effects, or toxic effects, are influenced by various factors such as the drug’s mechanism of action, dosage, and the patient’s health status. This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of these adverse effects’ mechanisms,…