Examples
|
| phenytoin | Dilantin |
| propranolol | Inderal |
| quinidine | |
How It Works
Antiarrhythmic medicines act on the
electrical system of the heart. They block some of the
extra electrical activity in the cells of the heart. This makes the heart beat
regularly.
Why It Is Used
Antiarrhythmic medicines are used to treat and prevent irregular
heartbeats.
How Well It Works
Antiarrhythmic medicines help control irregular heartbeats. They
do not treat the
congenital heart defect itself.
Side Effects
Antiarrhythmic medicine side effects are specific to each type of medicine. Your child's doctor will check your child closely for serious side effects such as an abnormal heart rate problem.
Ask your child's doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of your child's medicine. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with the medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after your child takes the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother your child and you wonder if he or she should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower the dose or change the medicine. Do not suddenly have your child quit taking your medicine unless your doctor says to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if your child has:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if your child has:
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Do not stop giving antiarrhythmic medicine without the advice of
your child's doctor. It is dangerous to stop some of these medicines
suddenly.
Antiarrhythmic medicines might interact with many other medicines that your child might take. Tell your child's doctor all of the medicines that your child takes. Be sure to include non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
Taking medicine
Know how to give your child's medicine safely. For help, see the topic Congenital Heart Defects: Caring for Your Child.
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. If your child takes medicine as your doctor suggests, it will improve your child's health and may prevent future problems. If your child doesn't take the medicines properly, his or her health (and perhaps life) may be at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Larry A. Latson, MD - Pediatric Cardiology |
|---|
| Last Revised | June 1, 2012 |
|---|
