Tag: Antiarrhythmic

Lidocaine is not only a common local anesthetic but also a Class Ib antiarrhythmic drug used intravenously to treat life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias [1.2.2, 1.5.4]. The question 'Why is lidocaine not given IV?' stems from a misunderstanding of its different formulations and high-risk nature.

Over 6 million Americans suffer from atrial fibrillation, one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias. Managing this condition often involves choosing between different types of medication, prompting the crucial question: Which is better, flecainide or diltiazem? The answer is not simple, depending entirely on the patient’s specific needs, cardiac health, and treatment strategy.

As a versatile medication included on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, understanding **what is the drug classification of lidocaine?** is key. It is a unique drug that falls into two distinct pharmacological classes, depending on its application and route of administration.

With a success rate of over 90% for terminating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), adenosine is a powerful tool in emergency medicine. So, how does adenosine make you feel during this rapid 'chemical reset' of the heart?

Sudden cardiac death is responsible for approximately 50% of mortality from cardiovascular disease in developed countries [1.2.4]. For specific patient populations, a critical question is: **Do beta-blockers decrease mortality and sudden death?** Evidence shows significant benefits in certain conditions.

According to a 2010 case report in the *American Journal of Transplantation*, a drug interaction between amiodarone and tacrolimus led to a sudden and marked QT prolongation in a transplant recipient, demonstrating the severe risks involved. This makes it critically important to understand if and how you can take amiodarone with tacrolimus safely, though the combination is generally avoided.

According to a 2016 study, a combination of flecainide and metoprolol significantly reduced atrial fibrillation recurrences in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation compared to flecainide alone. This highlights that determining if **metoprolol is better than flecainide** is not a simple question, as their effectiveness is highly specific to the patient's condition and treatment goals.

Dizziness is one of the most frequently reported side effects of flecainide, affecting up to 30% of patients [1.2.1, 1.2.2]. So, can flecainide cause dizziness? The answer is a definitive yes, and understanding why is key to managing it effectively.

Nausea is a reported side effect of the antiarrhythmic medication flecainide, with an incidence of around 9% in some studies [1.2.1, 1.2.3]. So, can flecainide cause nausea for you, and what factors influence this common gastrointestinal issue?

According to the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST), flecainide use was associated with increased mortality in patients with recent myocardial infarction. This highlights the serious nature of its adverse effects, prompting a need to understand exactly what is the adverse effect of flecainide and why careful patient selection and monitoring are paramount.