Pilsicainide: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:50, 15 February 2025

An article about the antiarrhythmic medication Pilsicainide

Overview[edit]

Pilsicainide is a class Ic antiarrhythmic agent used primarily in the management of cardiac arrhythmias. It is known for its ability to block sodium channels, thereby affecting the cardiac action potential and stabilizing the cardiac rhythm.

Pharmacology[edit]

Pilsicainide works by inhibiting the fast sodium channels in the cardiac myocytes. This action results in a decrease in the rate of rise of the action potential, which prolongs the refractory period and reduces the excitability of the cardiac tissue. As a result, it is effective in treating supraventricular tachycardia and certain types of ventricular arrhythmias.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

The primary mechanism of action of pilsicainide involves the blockade of the fast inward sodium current (INa) during phase 0 of the cardiac action potential. This blockade leads to a reduction in the conduction velocity of the cardiac impulse, particularly in the atria and ventricles, which helps to prevent the re-entry circuits that can cause arrhythmias.

Clinical Use[edit]

Pilsicainide is used in the treatment of various types of arrhythmias, including:

It is often administered orally and is known for its relatively selective action on cardiac tissue, with minimal effects on other tissues.

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects of pilsicainide include:

In some cases, it may cause proarrhythmic effects, particularly in patients with structural heart disease or significant left ventricular dysfunction.

Contraindications[edit]

Pilsicainide is contraindicated in patients with:

Severe heart failure
Significant bradycardia
Second-degree atrioventricular block or higher without a pacemaker

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Pilsicainide''' is a class 1c [[antiarrhythmic agent]] that is often used in the treatment of [[cardiac arrhythmias]]. It is a sodium channel blocker that is primarily used in the treatment of [[atrial fibrillation]] and [[atrial flutter]].
+{{Short description|An article about the antiarrhythmic medication Pilsicainide}}
-== Mechanism of Action ==
+==Overview==
-Pilsicainide works by blocking the fast [[sodium channels]] in the heart, which in turn slows down the heart rate. This helps to restore a normal rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
+[[File:Pilsicainide.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Pilsicainide]]
+'''Pilsicainide''' is a class Ic antiarrhythmic agent used primarily in the management of [[cardiac arrhythmias]]. It is known for its ability to block sodium channels, thereby affecting the cardiac action potential and stabilizing the cardiac rhythm.
-== Uses ==
+==Pharmacology==
-Pilsicainide is primarily used to treat atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. It may also be used in the treatment of other types of cardiac arrhythmias, depending on the patient's specific condition and the discretion of the treating physician.
+Pilsicainide works by inhibiting the fast sodium channels in the cardiac myocytes. This action results in a decrease in the rate of rise of the action potential, which prolongs the refractory period and reduces the excitability of the cardiac tissue. As a result, it is effective in treating [[supraventricular tachycardia]] and certain types of [[ventricular arrhythmias]].
-== Side Effects ==
+==Mechanism of Action==
-Like all medications, pilsicainide can cause side effects. These may include [[dizziness]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], and [[shortness of breath]]. In rare cases, pilsicainide may cause more serious side effects such as [[heart failure]] or [[ventricular fibrillation]].
+The primary mechanism of action of pilsicainide involves the blockade of the fast inward sodium current (INa) during phase 0 of the cardiac action potential. This blockade leads to a reduction in the conduction velocity of the cardiac impulse, particularly in the atria and ventricles, which helps to prevent the re-entry circuits that can cause arrhythmias.
-== Contraindications ==
+==Clinical Use==
-Pilsicainide is contraindicated in patients with certain conditions, including [[heart block]], [[sick sinus syndrome]], and [[cardiogenic shock]]. It should also not be used in patients with a history of [[hypersensitivity]] to pilsicainide or any of its components.
+Pilsicainide is used in the treatment of various types of arrhythmias, including:
+* [[Atrial fibrillation]]
+* [[Atrial flutter]]
+* [[Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia]]
+It is often administered orally and is known for its relatively selective action on cardiac tissue, with minimal effects on other tissues.
+==Side Effects==
+Common side effects of pilsicainide include:
+* [[Dizziness]]
+* [[Nausea]]
+* [[Fatigue]]
+In some cases, it may cause proarrhythmic effects, particularly in patients with structural heart disease or significant left ventricular dysfunction.
-== Interactions ==
+==Contraindications==
-Pilsicainide may interact with other medications, including other antiarrhythmic agents, [[beta blockers]], and certain [[antidepressants]]. Patients should always inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.
+Pilsicainide is contraindicated in patients with:
+* Severe [[heart failure]]
+* Significant [[bradycardia]]
+* [[Second-degree atrioventricular block]] or higher without a pacemaker
-== See Also ==
+==Related pages==
 * [[Antiarrhythmic agent]]
-* [[Atrial fibrillation]]
+* [[Cardiac arrhythmia]]
-* [[Atrial flutter]]
+* [[Sodium channel blocker]]
-[[Category:Drugs]]
+[[Category:Antiarrhythmic agents]]
 [[Category:Cardiology]]
-[[Category:Pharmacology]]
-{{stub}}