Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs
What is the purpose of anti-arrhythmic drugs?
To treat and prevent abnormal heart rhythms.
How do beta blockers lower blood pressure?
By blocking Beta-1 receptors, reducing heart rate and cardiac output.
What is the most commonly used cardiac glycoside?
Digoxin.
Which class of drugs blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II?
ACE inhibitors.
What is the purpose of anticoagulants?
To prevent blood clot formation.
Which class of anti-arrhythmic drugs blocks sodium channels?
Class I (e.g., Quinidine, Lidocaine).
Name one selective beta blocker.
Metoprolol or Atenolol.
How does Digoxin affect heart rate?
It decreases heart rate (negative chronotropic effect).
What is the main side effect of ACE inhibitors?
Dry cough.
Name an anticoagulant that requires INR monitoring.
Warfarin.
Name a drug used to treat both atrial and ventricular dysrhythmias.
Amiodarone.
What is a major contraindication for non-selective beta blockers?
Asthma (because they can cause bronchoconstriction).
What electrolyte imbalance increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity?
Hypokalemia (low potassium).
How do ARBs work differently from ACE inhibitors?
They block angiotensin II receptors instead of inhibiting its production.
What is the antidote for Heparin overdose?
Protamine sulfate.
What is the most dangerous side effect of Amiodarone?
Pulmonary toxicity (lung damage).
Why should beta blockers not be stopped abruptly?
It can cause rebound hypertension and tachycardia.
What are two major symptoms of Digoxin toxicity?
Nausea, visual disturbances (yellow/green halos).
Name a calcium channel blocker used for hypertension.
Amlodipine or Verapamil.
How do antiplatelet drugs like Clopidogrel work?
They inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing clot formation.
What is the main action of calcium channel blockers in arrhythmias?
They slow conduction through the AV node, reducing heart rate.
How do beta blockers help in angina?
They reduce myocardial oxygen demand by slowing the heart rate.
What is the antidote for Digoxin overdose?
Digibind (Digoxin immune fab).
What type of diuretics are commonly used to treat high blood pressure?
Thiazide diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide).
What laboratory test is monitored for Heparin therapy?
aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time).