Antidysrhythmic Toxicity
Description
Antidysrhythmic drugs are frequently prescribed to treat or stop irregular heart rhythms. Antiarrhythmic medications are particularly hazardous due to how they affect the heart, and overdoses are frequently life-threatening. Both sexes are equally affected by antidysrhythmic toxicity. In general, older patients are more likely than younger patients to have dysrhythmias. Drug interactions are becoming more common, especially in older patients receiving many antiarrhythmic medications at once.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of antidysrhythmic toxicity differ according to the used drug. In case you are using the antidysrhythmic (antiarrhythmic) treatment and have one of the following symptoms, you should contact your cardiologist. Your caregiver should be aware of the side effects to help you in case you need to be admitted to an emergency room.
Urinary retention, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, bloating
Nausea, vomiting, bitter taste, and diarrhea
Headache, insomnia, dizziness, psychosis, hallucinations, seizures, and depression
Muscle weakness and fatigue
Visual blurring, Vision changes
Hypoglycemia
Drowsiness, insomnia, light-headedness, tongue numbness
Breathing difficulty
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View MoreCauses
Antidysrhythmic drugs overdose.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis is usually based on a history of antiarrhythmic drug use and electrocardiogram findings.
Treatment
The treatment approach differs according to the type of drug and toxicity. However, there are some essential steps that represent a common approach for all antidysrhythmic toxicities. For example,
The causative medication must be stopped immediately.
Empirically, Gastrointestinal decontamination is used to reduce the drug's systemic absorption.
Hemodialysis may be recommended in addition to targeted antidotes for specific medication toxicities.
Seizure control (benzodiazepines).
