The choice of medication depends on the type of atrial fibrillation diagnosed, the underlying cause, other medical conditions that contribute to the patient's overall health, and other medications. Ironically, many antiarrhythmia medications may induce abnormal heart rhythms.
Antiarrhythmia medications include:
Antiarrhythmia medications include:
- Miscellaneous antiarrhythmia medications: These drugs control the heart rhythm rather than the rate. They reduce the frequency and duration of atrial fibrillation episodes. They are often given to prevent the return of atrial fibrillation after cardioversion. The most commonly used drugs are amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), sotalol (Betapace), propafenone (Rythmol), and flecainide (Tambocor). Overall, these drugs are 50%-70% effective.
- Beta-blockers: These drugs slow the heart rate by decreasing the rate of the SA node and by slowing conduction through the AV node. Therefore, the heart's demand for oxygen is decreased, and the blood pressure is stabilized. Examples include esmolol (Brevibloc), atenolol (Tenormin), propranolol (Inderal), or metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL).
- Calcium channel blockers: These drugs also slow heart rate by mechanisms similar to those of beta-blockers. Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin) and diltiazem (Cardizem) are examples of calcium channel blockers.
