Start your One-Week Free Trial
Already subscribed? Log in »
Anti-arrhythmic Drugs: Others (aka, Class V)
Class V: Others
Adenosine is used to treat supraventricular tachycardias; it slows or blocks conduction in the atrioventricular node.
– It's important to know that theophylline (a common asthma medication) and caffeine reduce adenosine's efficacy by blocking its receptors.
– Adenosine may trigger bronchospasm.
Magnesium ions are sometimes used to treat torsades de pointes and digoxin toxicity.
Potassium ions may be used in some patients to slow conduction and can suppress ectopic pacemakers.
Digoxin can be used in some patients to treat atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation; it slows or blocks conduction in the atrioventricular node by inhibiting sodium-potassium ATPase.
– However, digoxin can cause ectopic arrhythmias, gastrointestinal and visual side effects, and breast enlargement (gynecomastia, in males), and has been associated with increased risk of breast and uterine cancer, likely due to its phyto-estrogen effects.
For References, please see our full tutorial on Classes II-V Anti-Arrhythmics.