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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Disopyramide Mechanism of Action
Introduction
Disopyramide is a class IA antiarrhythmic medication used primarily for the treatment of certain types of cardiac arrhythmias, particularly ventricular and atrial arrhythmias. It works by affecting the electrical conduction in the heart, helping to stabilize abnormal heart rhythms.
Mechanism of Action
Disopyramide exerts its effects mainly by:
Sodium Channel Blockade - It inhibits fast sodium channels in the cardiac myocytes, slowing phase 0 (depolarization) of the action potential. This results in:
- Decreased conduction velocity.
- Prolongation of the QRS complex.
Prolongation of Action Potential Duration - By increasing the effective refractory period, it reduces the likelihood of reentry arrhythmias.
Anticholinergic Effects - Unlike some other class IA drugs, disopyramide has significant anticholinergic properties, which can lead to side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention.
Negative Inotropic Effect - It reduces myocardial contractility, which may be problematic in patients with heart failure.
Clinical Considerations
- Indications: Used for certain cases of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular tachycardia.
- Contraindications: Avoid in patients with heart failure due to its negative inotropic effect.
- Side Effects: May include hypotension, anticholinergic symptoms, and proarrhythmic effects.
Conclusion
Disopyramide is an effective antiarrhythmic drug with notable sodium channel-blocking and anticholinergic properties. However, it requires careful monitoring due to its potential side effects and contraindications.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2023-acc-aha-accp-hrs-guideline-for-the-diagnosis-and-management-of-atrial-fibrillation
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033089/
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/treatment-and-prevention-of-atrial-fibrillation/treatment-options-of-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3314/7738779
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.