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Arrthythmia Medications
When taken exactly as prescribed, medications can do wonders. They can help prevent heart attack and stroke. They can also prevent complications and slow the progression of coronary heart disease. In these lists of medications used to treat arrhythmias, we've included generic names first, with some common brand names in parentheses. Some of the major types of commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications are summarized in this section. For your information and reference, we have included generic names as well as major trade names to help you identify what you may be taking; however, the AHA is not recommending or endorsing any specific products. If your prescription medication isn't on this list, remember that your healthcare provider and pharmacist are your best sources of information. It's important to discuss all of the drugs you take with your doctor and understand their desired effects and possible side effects. Never stop taking a medication and never change your dose or frequency without first consulting your doctor. Classes of medications commonly used to treat arrhythmias include: Antiarrhythmic drugs In patients with atrial fibrillation, a blood thinner (anticoagulant or antiplatelet agent such as aspirin) is usually added to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke. When tachycardias or premature beats occur often, the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic drug therapy may be gauged by electrocardiographic monitoring in a hospital, by using a 24-hour Holter monitor or by serial drug evaluation with electrophysiologic testing. The relative simplicity of antiarrhythmic drug therapy must be balanced against two disadvantages. One is that the drugs must be taken daily and indefinitely. The other is the risk of side effects. While side effects are a risk of all medication, those associated with antiarrhythmic drugs can be very hard to manage. They include proarrhythmia, the more-frequent occurrence of preexisting arrhythmias or the appearance of new arrhythmias as bad as or worse than those being treated. See an illustration of antiarrhythmic drugs Some commonly prescribed antiarrhythmic drugs include (generic name first; common brand names in parentheses – read drug brand name disclaimer): Back to drug classification list Calcium channel blockers See an illustration of calcium channel blockers Some commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers include (generic name first; common brand names in parentheses – read drug brand name disclaimer):
Beta-blockers See an illustration of beta-blockers Some commonly prescribed beta-blockers include (generic name first; common brand names in parentheses – read drug brand name disclaimer): Back to drug classification list Anticoagulants See an illustration of anticoagulants Warfarin (brand name Coumadin – read drug brand name disclaimer) is one of the most commonly-prescribed anticoagulant drugs. Aspirin is frequently recommended in addition to or instead of prescription anticoagulants. Both these drugs interfere with your blood's clotting ability. Aspirin has an antiplatelet effect. That means it makes your blood platelets less likely to stick together and form clots. Aspirin is less likely to cause abnormal bleeding, but warfarin seems to be more effective at preventing clot-caused strokes. Warfarin is an anticoagulant or blood thinner. That means it reduces your blood's ability to clot (coagulate). Stroke can be prevented in most AF patients by using blood thinners. Most people over age 60 who have atrial fibrillation can be treated with a blood thinner. These drugs must be very carefully monitored because too much blood thinner can cause abnormal bleeding. To be sure you're getting the right amount of blood-thinning medication, your doctor will do a test called a Prothrombin Time. (This test is also called "ProTime" or "PT.") The results of this test may be reported to you as an "INR" number. By using an INR (International Normalized Ratio), your doctor can keep your blood clotting at a safe and effective level. Your INR should usually test between 2.0 and 3.0. Checklist for Taking Warfarin for Atrial Fibrillation Back to drug classification list
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