title: Classification of antiarrhythmic drugs.
abstract: Although many classification schemes for antiarrhythmic drugs have been proposed, the system introduced by Vaughan Williams and later modified by Harrison has been widely accepted. This classification system is comprised of four categories. Class I agents block sodium channels. Class II agents are Beta blockers. Class III agents prolong the cardiac action potential. Class IV agents are calcium channel blockers. This classification scheme, based largely on clinical observation continues to be useful almost two decades after its introduction. The electrophysiologic bases, strengths and weaknesses of this system are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Sinai Hospital of Detroit, Michigan 48235-2099.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Frumin
authors.forename: N Z
authors.initials: NZ
authors.lastname: Kerin
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rubenfire
mesh_terms: D000638:Amiodarone / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000145:classification*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000638:Amiodarone