Anti-arrhythmic drugs | Right Decisions

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Anti-arrhythmic drugs

Update your RDS mobile app to v4.7.2 to download toolkits even when website is down.

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. You will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon in the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively update to the latest release - RDS app version 4.7.1 - to see this improvement.

Updating to this latest version of the RDS app is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new resilience arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits. To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

The management of ventricular and other serious cardiac arrhythmias is best undertaken with specialist cardiological guidance.

For permanent atrial fibrillation, beta-blockers, eg bisoprolol (Beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs) are useful agents for rate control. If contra-indications exist rate limiting calcium-channel blockers eg verapamil, diltiazem [off-label] (Nitrates, calcium-channel blockers and other antianginal drugs) or digoxin (Cardiac glycosides) may be considered.

For paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/supraventricular tachycardias, beta-blockers, eg bisoprolol, are useful first choice agents to prevent paroxysms. Second-line drugs may be used but are limited by adverse and pro-arrhythmic effects; they include flecainide, propafenone, amiodarone and sotalol. Due to potential pro-arrhythmia effects, all require hospital specialist guidance. Digoxin is less useful in these situations providing little preventative effect during paroxysms. Note NICE CG180 Atrial fibrillation: management.

Supraventricular arrhythmias (Formulary)

Supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias (Formulary)