Arrhythmias or dysrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms. Arrhythmias cause the heart to pump less effectively. Tachycardia is the medical term for a heartbeat that's too fast. Bradycardia is the term for a heartbeat that's too slow. Ventricular fibrillation is a severe cardiac arrhythmia that can result in sudden cardiac death. It's a rapid, uncontrolled contraction of the left ventricle (pumping chamber of the heart).
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.
Drugs used to treat cardiac arrhythmias include:
Class I — Sodium channel blockers
Disopyramide (Norpace®)
Flecainide (TambocorTM)
Lidocaine (Xylocaine®)
Lidocaine (Xylocaine®)
Mexiletine (Mexitel®)
Moricizine (Ethmozine®)
Procainamide (Procan®, Procanabid®, Pronestyl®)
Propafenone (Rythmol®)
Quinidine (Cardioquin®, Quinaglute Dura-Tabs®, Quinidex Extentabs®, Quinora®)
Tocainide (Tonocard®)
Class II — Beta blockers
Acebutolol (Sectral®)
Atenolol (Tenormin®)
Betaxolol (Kerlone®)
Bisoprolol (Zebeta®)
Carvedilol (Coreg®)
Esmolol (Brevibloc®)
Metoprolol (Toprol-XL®, Lopressor®)
Nadolol (Corgard®)
Propranolol (Inderal®)
Sotalol (Betapace®, Betapace AF®, Sorine®)
Timolol (Blocadren®)
Class III — Potassium channel blockers
Amiodarone (Cordarone®, Pacerone®)
Azimilide (StedicorTM)
Bepridil (Vascor®)
Dofetilide (Tikosyn®)
Ibutilide (Corvert®)
Tedisamil (Pulsium®)
Class IV — Calcium channel blockers
Diltiazem (Cardizem®, Tiazac®, Cartia XT®, Dilacor XR®, Diltia XT®)
Verapamil (Calan®, Covera-HS®, Isoptin® SR, Verelan®)
Miscellaneous
Adenosine (Adenocard®, Adenoscan®)
Digoxin (Lanoxin®, Digitek®)
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