Classification and mechanism of action of antiarrhythmic drugs

Antiarrhythmic drugs include sodium channel blockers, β-receptor antagonists, agents that prolong the duration of action potentials, calcium channel blockers, and other antiarrhythmic agents. 1. Sodium channel blockers, divided into three categories: Class Ia, including quinidine, procainamide, etc. Class Ib, including lidocaine, phenytoin sodium, etc. Class Ic, propafenone and so on. Mainly through the blockade of sodium channels on the surface of the cell membrane, play an antiarrhythmic effect. 2. Myocardial β-receptor antagonists: including propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol and so on. By inhibiting β-adrenergic receptors, they play antiarrhythmic effects. 3. Prolonging action potential duration drugs, including amiodarone, dofetilide and so on. By prolonging the myocardial action potential, they play an antiarrhythmic role. 4. Calcium channel blockers, including verapamil and diltiazem. By inhibiting calcium channels on the surface of the cell membrane, they reduce the inward flow of calcium ions and exert negative conduction, thus exerting antiarrhythmic effects. 5. These drugs include antiarrhythmic drugs that cannot be categorized under the above four categories and some antiarrhythmic auxiliary drugs, such as potassium magnesium menthylate, adenosine, disodium edetate, nifecarbam and so on. In short, it is necessary to choose the appropriate medication according to the patient’s specific condition under the guidance of a professional doctor, and cannot be used blindly to avoid leading to adverse consequences.