[Pharmacology of modern anti-arrhythmia drugs in therapy of supraventricular tachycardia].

Abstract

Prevention of recurrences of atrial fibrillation, slowing the ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation, and the acute management of atrioventricular junctional reentrant supraventricular tachycardia (paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia) often require treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs. These drugs comprise a pharmacodynamically and pharmacokinetically heterogeneous group of agents whose individual properties determine correct use, contraindications and side effects. Stabilisation of sinus rhythm can be achieved with class IA and class IC sodium channel blocking drugs as well as with the class III agents amiodarone or sotalol. Verapamil, diltiazem, cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor-blocking drugs or cardiac glycosides can be used to slow the ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation. Rapid termination of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia is achieved with i.v. administration of adenosine, verapamil, ajmaline, diltiazem, propafenone, or flecainide. If atrial flutter complicates the preexcitation syndrome, this type of supraventricular tachycardia must not be treated with calcium antagonists, cardiac glycosides or lidocaine, since these agents decrease refractoriness of the accessory pathway which may precipitate fatal ventricular fibrillation.