Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy for Acute Management of Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter.

Mohammadali Habibi, Muhammed Rahim, Suneet Mittal

Journal: Cardiac electrophysiology clinics 2026;18(1):57-65

PMID: 41611374

Abstract

This review outlines the pharmacologic strategies for acute management of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, with a focus on rate and rhythm control. It details the efficacy, indications, and safety profiles of commonly used agents, including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and antiarrhythmic drugs such as amiodarone, ibutilide, dofetilide, and flecainide. The article highlights patient-specific considerations, emerging therapies, and the need for safer, faster acting drugs as atrial fibrillation prevalence rises. Both traditional and novel approaches are discussed to guide evidence-based clinical decision-making in acute settings.

Address: Department of Cardiology, The Snyder Center for Comprehensive Atrial Fibrillation, Valley Hospital, Paramus, NJ, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.; Department of Cardiology, The Snyder Center for Comprehensive Atrial Fibrillation, Valley Hospital, Paramus, NJ, USA.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2025.10.003

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/atrialfibrillation.html

MeSH Terms: Humans, Anti-Arrhythmia Agents, Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Flutter