Antiarrhythmics---from cell to clinic: past, present, and future

Antiarrhythmic drugs for the maintenance of sinus rhythm: Risks and benefits

“…In most European countries, the same agents are commonly used with the exception of dofetilide. AADs are categorized based on the Vaughan Williams classification (Table 1) [14]. A recent Cochrane review (2007) found that several class IA, IC, and III drugs maintain sinus rhythm, but are associated with an increase in AEs, including proarrhythmia [15].…”

Simultaneous determination of ten antiarrhythic drugs and a metabolite in human plasma by liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry

“…Arrhythmias, commonly observed as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia and premature beats, are the consequences of abnormal autorhythmicity or conduction disturbance of heart [1][2][3]. Generally, antiarrhythic drugs therapy is preferred for patients with cardiac arrhythmia [4].…”

“…Generally, antiarrhythic drugs therapy is preferred for patients with cardiac arrhythmia [4]. Antiarrhythic drugs, as discussed by many researchers [1,[5][6][7], are conventionally divided into four major classes, based on their effect on the cardiac action potential. The Vaughan Williams classification and examples of these drugs are listed as follows.…”

Inhibition of HERG Potassium Channel Current by the Class 1a Antiarrhythmic Agent Disopyramide

“…Its Class 1 action involves preferential drug binding to the open state of the cardiac fast sodium channel (9). Class 1a agents are also associated with moderate lengthening of repolarisation (8) and in humans administration of DISO has been associated both with prolongation of the QT interval of the ECG and with torsades de pointes (e.g., (10 -12)). The question therefore arises as to the mechanism that underlies this effect, and whether or not it may involve interactions between DISO and HERG K channels in the heart.…”

“…Disopyramide (DISO) is a widely used Class 1a antiarrhythmic agent that is employed in the treatment of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias (8). Its Class 1 action involves preferential drug binding to the open state of the cardiac fast sodium channel (9).…”