What medications are used to treat tachycardia?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with an overview of the medications used to treat tachycardia. Tachycardia refers to a heart rate that is faster than normal, and it can be caused by various factors, including stress, stimulants, or underlying heart conditions. The choice of medication depends on the specific type of tachycardia and the individual patient's health status. **Medications used to treat tachycardia include:** 1. Beta-blockers: These are often the first line of treatment for many types of tachycardia. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, which can slow the heart rate. Common beta-blockers include metoprolol, atenolol, and propranolol. 2. Calcium channel blockers: These medications can also slow the heart rate by affecting the movement of calcium within the heart muscle. Examples include diltiazem and verapamil. 3. Digoxin: This medication is used for a specific type of tachycardia known as atrial fibrillation. It helps to control the heart rate and maintain a regular rhythm. 4. Antiarrhythmic drugs: These are a class of drugs that are used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. They can be divided into several subclasses based on their mechanism of action. Some examples include amiodarone, flecainide, and sotalol. 5. Adenosine: This is a rapid-acting medication that can be used to convert certain types of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) back to normal rhythm. It's important to note that the use of these medications should be under the supervision of a healthcare provider, as they can have side effects and may interact with other medications.

Other people require medications such as digitalis (Lanoxin), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone, generic versions). Some patients respond only to radiofrequency catheter ablation, a procedure that destroys the area of abnormal heart tissue that is triggering the tachycardia.