antiarrhythmic agent, Group IV

Indications

• supraventricular tachycardia
• rate control of atrial arrthymias
  • atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter
• triggered arrhythmias

Mechanism of action

• slows SA node automaticity & AV node conduction
• class IV agents are Ca+2-channel blockers
• they selectively block the slow inward Ca+2 current, especially of the SA node, the AV node, & areas of diseased myocardium dependent upon slow Ca+2-channel activity for conduction, attenuating conduction velocity & automaticity & prolonging refractoriness of these structures

More general terms

• antiarrhythmic agent

More specific terms

• diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, Cartia, Angiotrofin, Dilcontin)
• verapamil (Isoptin, Calan, Verelan, Covera-HS, Iproveratril, Dilacorin, Cardioprotect)

Additional terms

• calcium channel blocker (CCB)