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An Overview Of Drugs For Abnormal Heart Rhythms

An arrhythmia is a condition in which the ticker beats irregularly, either too slowly or too fast. Arrhythmia, in many cases may not be serious or require any treatment at all. However, healthcare providers may prescribe medications if he/she finds that the abnormal rhythm could lead to more serious heart problems. There are several types of medication that can help control or resolve an abnormal rhythm with the type that’s right depending upon the kind of arrhythmia you have.
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List of drugs for arrhythmia:
Antiarrhythmic Drugs- These medications may be prescribed if you have tachycardia (fast heart rate) or premature or extra heartbeats, which work to correct your heart rhythm. These medications may be given intravenously in an emergency situation or orally for long-term treatment. The most common medications include amiodarone, flecainide, ibutilide, lidocaine, procainamide, propafenone, tocainide. Although these medications can help correct an arrhythmia, they can cause the arrhythmia to occur again or more often, which is known as a proarrhythmia.

Beta Blockers- Beta blockers decrease the cardiac output and heart rate and stop the action of the hormone adrenaline thus lowering blood pressure. Your doctor may prescribe a beta-blocker if you’ve been diagnosed with tachycardia. Acebutolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol- are examples of beta blockers. The side effects include tiredness, cold hands, and headache.

Calcium Channel Blockers- Calcium channel blockers work by interfering with the movement of calcium into ticker and blood vessel tissue. Apart from being used to treat high blood pressure, they're also used to treat angina (chest pain) and/or some arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). Examples of common calcium channel blockers include amlodipine, diltiazem, felodipine, isradipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nisoldipine. Speaking of the side effects of these medications, they vary. Some people have tachycardia, dizziness, constipation, and headaches whereas other people experience more serious side effects including rash or swelling in the legs and feet.

Anticoagulants- Anticoagulants are blood thinning medications that work by making it harder for the blood to clot, or coagulate. They do not dissolve existing blood clots, but prevent new clots from forming or existing clots from getting larger. Anticoagulants do not fix your abnormal heart rhythm, they only help reduce the risk of blood clots caused by certain abnormal rhythms. One of the most common anticoagulants is warfarin. However, non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are recommended over warfarin these days, which include dabigatran, apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban. Anticoagulants are effective, but they can reduce the ability of the body to stop bleeding. It is crucial to watch out for signs of internal bleeding, such as bloody stool, vomit, etc.

Your heart is one of the most important organs so stay safe while taking your medications. Take medications only as directed and seek medical help right away if you notice anything abnormal or if you have serious side effects.

Sign up for a CPR course at the acclaimed CPR Indianapolis and become AHA CPR certified.
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