Bretylium
Bretylium
Bretylium (pronounced: breh-TILL-ee-um) is a medication primarily used in the treatment of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.
Etymology
The term "Bretylium" is derived from the chemical name Bromine-Ethyl-Tyrosine-Lithium-Um, which represents its chemical composition.
Usage
Bretylium works by blocking the release of certain natural substances in the body that affect the heart's rhythm. This helps to restore normal heart rhythm and prevent rapid, irregular heartbeats. It is usually administered intravenously in a hospital setting under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Related Terms
- Ventricular fibrillation: A life-threatening heart rhythm disorder characterized by rapid, irregular heartbeats.
- Ventricular tachycardia: A fast, abnormal heart rate that begins in the lower chambers of the heart.
- Antiarrhythmic agent: A type of medication used to suppress abnormal rhythms of the heart.
- Cardiac arrest: A sudden loss of heart function, often related to ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Bretylium include nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and increased salivation. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or allergic reactions.
Precautions
Bretylium should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease, heart disease, or electrolyte imbalances. It should not be used in patients with a known allergy to Bretylium or any of its components.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bretylium
- Wikipedia's article - Bretylium
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