Atrial Fibrillation (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Atrial Fibrillation Overview
- Atrial Fibrillation Causes
- Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Support Groups and Counseling
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Viewer Comments: Atrial Fibrillation - Effective Treatments
Medications
The choice of medication depends on the type of atrial fibrillation you have, the underlying cause, your other medical conditions and overall health, and the other medications you take. Ironically, many anti-arrhythmia medications may induce abnormal heart rhythms.
Anti-arrhythmia medications
- Miscellaneous anti-arrhythmia medications: These
drugs control the heart rhythm rather than rate. They reduce the frequency and
duration of atrial fibrillation episodes. They are often given to prevent
return of atrial fibrillation after cardioversion. The most commonly used
drugs are amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), sotalol (Betapace), propafenone
(Rythmol), and flecainide (Tambocor). Overall, these drugs are 50-70%
effective.
- Beta-blockers: These drugs slow the heart rate by
decreasing the rate of the SA node and by slowing conduction through the AV
node. Therefore, the heart's demand for oxygen is decreased, and the blood
pressure is stabilized. Examples include propranolol (Inderal) or metoprolol
(Lopressor Toprol XL).
- Calcium channel blockers: These drugs also slow heart
rate by similar mechanisms as beta-blockers. Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin) and
diltiazem (Cardizem) are examples of calcium channel blockers.
- Digoxin (Lanoxin): This drug decreases the
conductivity of electrical impulses through the AV node, but onset of action
is slower than beta-blockers and calcium-blockers. Digoxin is currently used
primarily in patients with associated heart disease, such as a poorly
functioning left ventricle.
- Dofetilide (Tikosyn): This is an oral anti-arrhythmic drug that must be initiated in the hospital over a three-day period. Hospitalization is needed to closely monitor the heart rhythm during the initial dosing period. If the atrial fibrillation responds favorably during the initial dosing, a maintenance dose is established to be continued at home.
Other drugs
- Warfarin (Coumadin): This drug is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It reduces the ability of the blood to clot. It lowers the risk of an unwanted blood clot forming in the heart or in a blood vessel. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of forming such blood clots. There are other anticoagulant drugs, but warfarin is the only one taken in pill form and is usually given for daily use. It is extremely important to follow the exact dosing prescribed and to have regular blood tests (INR) when recommended by your doctor.
Next: Surgery »
Viewer Comments & Reviews
Atrial Fibrillation - Effective Treatments
The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:
What kinds of treatments have been effective for your atrial fibrillation?
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.
From WebMD
Heart Health Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Also on eMedicineHealth
Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine
Atrial Fibrilation »
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia characterized by disorganized atrial electrical activity and progressive deterioration of atrial electromechanical function.

