Perioperative Management of Beta Blockers and Other Antiarrhythmic Medications

Title:Perioperative Management of Beta Blockers and Other Antiarrhythmic Medications

Volume: 12 Issue: 3

Author(s): Joan M. Irizarry-Alvarado*

Affiliation:

• Department of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224,United States

Keywords: Antiarrhythmics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, medication management, perioperative care, potassium channel blockers, sodium channel blockers, surgery.

Abstract: Background: Antiarrhythmic medications are an important tool in preventing recurrence of intraoperative and postoperative arrhythmias.

Objective: To review current literature and recommendations for perioperative management of antiarrhythmic medications.

Methods: Literature review is presented along with the pharmacology of antiarrhythmics.

Results: Antiarrhythmic medications should be continued perioperatively for the prevention of arrhythmias intra- and postoperatively. However, beta blockers have had controversies regarding their perioperative safety profile.

Conclusion: Continuation of antiarrhythmic medications is safe perioperatively. However, initiation of beta blockers should be patient-tailored and titrated to a target heart rate in advance surgery.

Cite this article as:

Irizarry-Alvarado M. Joan *, Perioperative Management of Beta Blockers and Other Antiarrhythmic Medications, Current Clinical Pharmacology 2017; 12 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1574884712666170829114820