Classification and action of antiarrhythmic drugs.

A great number of antiarrhythmic drugs is available for the treatment of tachyarrhythmias. The classification of these drugs according to their action on different ionic channels of cardiac cells is discussed and summarized. Furthermore, drugs are characterized with respect to their mechanism of action on membrane currents and their action in different cardiac tissues. From the results, strategies may be developed which represent the basis for clinical application of antiarrhythmic drugs.