title: Clinical Pearls in Using Antiarrhythmic Drugs in the Outpatient Setting.
abstract: A role for oral antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) remains in clinical practice for patients with atrial and ventricular arrhythmias in spite of advances in nonpharmacologic therapy. Pharmacists play a vital role in the appropriate use of AAD dosing, administration, adverse effects, interactions, and monitoring. Pharmacists who are involved in providing care to patients with cardiac arrhythmias must remain updated regarding the efficacy and safety of the most commonly used AADs. This review will address key issues for appropriate initiation and maintenance of commonly selected Vaughan-Williams Class Ic and III agents in the outpatient setting.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Pharmacy Service, Clinic Coordinator Ambulatory Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Mary H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: Jefferson School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, USA cynthia.sanoski@jefferson.edu.
authors.forename: Cynthia A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Sanoski
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D010045:Outpatients
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
keywords: amiodarone; antiarrhythmic drug therapy; arrhythmias; dofetilide