Master Class IB Antiarrhythmics (Na+ Channel Blockers) with Picmonic for Medicine

Class IB antiarrhythmics are prescribed specifically for acute ventricular and digitalis-induced arrhythmias. They are used to treat arrhythmias which arise from improper impulse conduction or impulse generation.

Class IB drugs are indicated for use post-myocardial infarction, as they preferentially affect ischemic tissue.

Class IB drugs are highly selective for ischemic or depolarized Purkinje and ventricular tissue.

These drugs decrease action potential duration because of their blockage of sodium currents. They have fast onset/offset kinetics and have little effect on slower heart rates, but a greater effect on faster heart rates.

Mexiletine may cause gastrointestinal upset, resulting in abdominal discomfort in a small percentage of people.

GI Upset is a common side effect of Mexiletine.

Lidocaine is administered via IV and preferentially treats damaged tissues and acts only on the sodium channel. It is the second-line treatment for ventricular arrhythmias and has a low level of cardiotoxicity.

CNS depression is an adverse effect of Lidocaine, which may result in seizures in severe overdose.

Tocainide is an orally active drug, similar in action to Lidocaine.

Phenytoin is an antiseizure drug that is occasionally used as an antiarrhythmic, specifically in digitalis overdose to reverse atrioventricular block. It is known to have many side effects, including drug induced lupus, gingival hyperplasia, teratogenic effects and hirsutism.

Hirsutism is a condition of excessive hair growth on women, often in a male pattern of body hair. It can be caused by an increased level or oversensitivity to androgens, and can be seen in long-term use of phenytoin.