Arrhythmic Medicines

What is an anti-arrhythmic medicine?

Antiarrhythmic drugs are medicines that correct irregular heartbeats. They are also used to slow down hearts that beat too fast.

Sotalol (Betapace) and amiodarone (Cordarone) are examples of anti-arrhythmic medicines. Some drugs that are used for other reasons, like beta blockers, also can be used to treat heart rhythm problems. Which medicine is best for you depends on your condition and health.

How do anti-arrhythmic medicines work?

An electrical impulse in your heart starts each heartbeat. Normally, this impulse starts in the right upper chamber of the heart (the right atrium). It then moves along a pathway to the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles). Sometimes the electrical impulse does not follow the usual pathway. This may make the heart beat very fast. It may cause an irregular heartbeat. Irregular heartbeats can make it harder for the heart to pump enough blood to your brain and other organs.

Anti-arrhythmic medicines change the movement of sodium, calcium, or potassium into and out of cells in the heart. This affects the way the heart conducts electrical signals.

When are anti-arrhythmic medicines used?

Anti-arrhythmic medicines may be used to treat:

• atrial fibrillation
• tachycardia
• ventricular fibrillation
• ventricular premature beats.

Some abnormal heart rhythms cannot be treated with drugs alone. You may need a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Medicines are sometimes used along with ICDs to treat fast heart rhythms. Some heart rhythm problems may be treated with a procedure called radiofrequency ablation.

What should I watch out for while I am taking these medicines?

Report these side effects to your healthcare provider right away:

• chest pain
• severe dizziness or fainting
• skin rashes
• trouble breathing.

Your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly. You may also need regular blood tests.