Antiarrhythmics

Antiarrhythmic drugs are used to treat heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). They bring the heartbeat into a healthy range and also reduce the common symptoms you may experience such as heart palpitations, irregular heartbeats, fast heartbeats, lightheadedness, fainting, chest pain and shortness of breath.

How does it work?
Rhythm disorders are the result of a disruption in your hearts electrical system. Antiarrhythmics slow down the electrical impulses in your heart so it can beat regularly again.

What are the main types?
Sodium channel blockers slow electrical conduction in the heart.

Beta blockers help reduce blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the impulses that may cause an irregular heart rhythm and interfering with hormones (such as adrenaline) that can affect the hearts cells.

Antiarrhythmic medicines that slow your hearts electrical impulses by blocking the heart's potassium channels (amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide).

Calcium channel blockers widen (dilate) your blood vessels, letting blood flow through more easily (diltiazem, verapamil).

How should I take it?
Because each kind of antiarrhythmic works slightly differently, there is no one medicine to treat every kind of arrhythmia. In some cases antiarrhythmics may actually cause more arrhythmia or make it worse. You may have to work closely with your doctor by trying a few different kinds to see which one works best for you. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how and when to take your medication.

What should I avoid while taking this medicine?
Some antiarrhythmics may make you more sensitive to the sun. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to get more detailed information about what, if anything, you should avoid with your specific medication.

What if I am taking other medicines?
Because antiarrhythmics can increase or decrease the effects of other medications, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medication including prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter or natural health products (vitamins and minerals, herbal remedies, homeopathic medicines, traditional medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines, probiotics and other products like amino acids and essential fatty acids).

What are some common side effects?
Your doctor will be able to tell you about any potential side effects associated with your antiarrhythmic. Your pharmacist will also be able to help should you have any additional questions. If you experience side effects, tell your doctor right away, but dont stop taking your medication unless he or she advises you to do so.

Lifestyle changes
Eating a healthy diet that is lower in fat, especially saturated and trans fats, being smoke free, limiting alcohol use, being physically active and reducing stress are also important in lowering the risk of heart disease. Talk to your health-care practitioner about how you can achieve these lifestyle changes.

Where can I get more information?
For warnings, recalls and other clinical drug information:

1. Health Canada Drugs and Health Products http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodpharma/index_e.html
2. Drugs and Health Products: Advisories, Warnings and Recalls http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/advisories-avis/index_e.html

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