antiarrhythmic drugs - A group of drugs used to prevent or treat arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). This group includes those given intravenously in hospital to treat arrhythmias that are causing symptoms such as breathlessness or chest pain.
Adenosine and bretyllium are examples of drugs used only in hospital. A number of drugs are used to prevent intermittent arrhythmias or to slow the rate if an arrhythmia is persistent.
These include amiodarone, beta-blocker drugs, calcium channel blockers, digitalis drugs, disopyramide, flecainide, lidocaine (lignocaine), mexiletine, and procainamide. Side effects are common and often include nausea and rash.
Some antiarrhythmics can result in tiredness or breathlessness because they reduce the heart’s pumping ability.
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