Word parts
What it means
A drug that controls the heart's rate or rhythm by changing how electrical signals move through the heart. The group includes amiodaroneam-ee-OH-duh-roneA drug used to treat and prevent serious abnormal heart rhythms.Full entry , lidocaineLY-doh-kaynA local anesthetic that numbs an area, also given by IV to treat some fast, abnormal heart rhythms.Full entry , sotalol, flecainide, some beta blockers and calcium channel blockers such as diltiazemdil-TY-uh-zemA calcium channel blocker that slows the heart rate and relaxes blood vessels, given by mouth or IV.Full entry , and others. Many of these drugs can themselves cause new rhythm problems, low blood pressure or a slow heart rate. The word antidysrhythmic means the same thing.
For the nurse
Check the apical pulse, blood pressure and heart rhythm before each dose, and keep the client on a cardiac monitor when it is given by IV. IV antiarrhythmics are on the ISMP list of high-alert medications. Report a new rhythm, a slow rate or dizziness.
At a glance
| Drug class | antiarrhythmic (antidysrhythmic) |
|---|---|
| Also written | antiarrhythmics, antiarrhythmic drug, antiarrhythmic drugs, antidysrhythmic |
Related terms
dysrhythmia
A heart rhythm that is not normal: too fast, too slow or irregular.
lidocaine
A local anesthetic that numbs an area, also given by IV to treat some fast, abnormal heart rhythms.
diltiazem
A calcium channel blocker that slows the heart rate and relaxes blood vessels, given by mouth or IV.
amiodarone
A drug used to treat and prevent serious abnormal heart rhythms.