Anti-arrhythmic drugs - Click here

Antiarrhythmic drugs are used to prevent, control, or terminate cardiac arrhythmias by modifying cardiac electrical activity. They are commonly classified according to the Vaughan Williams classification.

Class I – Sodium Channel Blockers

• IA: Quinidine, Procainamide – moderate Na⁺ channel blockade, prolong action potential

• IB: Lidocaine, Mexiletine – weak blockade, shorten action potential

• IC: Flecainide, Propafenone – strong blockade, minimal effect on action potential

Class II – Beta-Adrenergic Blockers

• Propranolol, Metoprolol, Atenolol

• Reduce sympathetic stimulation and AV nodal conduction

Class III – Potassium Channel Blockers

• Amiodarone, Sotalol, Dofetilide

• Prolonged repolarization and refractory period

Class IV – Calcium Channel Blockers

• Verapamil, Diltiazem

• Decrease AV nodal conduction and heart rate

Others

• Adenosine, Digoxin, Magnesium sulfate

From a dental perspective, awareness of drug interactions, risk of bradycardia or hypotension, and stress reduction during treatment is essential.