The antiarrhythmic drugs have always been a challenge for me. In fact, just spelling the word “antiarrhythmic“ correctly is hard enough!
Here a few mnemonics to help you keep them straight!
(And be sure to check out First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 book for more antiarrhythmics mnemonics!).
First, a way to remember the mechanism of action of each of the classes:
“MBA College”
- M = class I = membrane stabilization
- B = class II = Beta blockade
- A = class III = Action potential widening
- C = class IV = Calcium channel blockers
I like this mnemonic because, although I may remember that class I agents block sodium channels, a question may go deeper and ask what is the result of the Na+ channel blockade: membrane stabilization! The same goes for the class III agents; they block potassium channels, but the result of that K+ channel blockade is to widen the action potential.
Another option for remembering the mechanisms of action is:
“SoBe PoCa” (say: “South Beach Polka”)
- So = Sodium channel blockade
- Be = Beta blockers
- Po = Potassium channel blockers
- Ca = Calcium channel blockers
Do you have a mnemonic to remember the mechanisms of the antiarrhythmics? Post it below!
Check back soon for my next antiarrhythmic mnemonic post, which will cover the names of the class I agents!
Bibliography
- Rx Bricks: Class I, II, III, and IV Drugs
- MBA College mnemonic: http://www.medicalmnemonics.com/cgi-bin/return_browse.cfm?rowstart=11&numrows=10&discipline_id=28&system_id=2&bodypart_id=All
- SoBe mnemonic: http://www.urch.com/forums/fpgee/105947-mnemonics-help-remember-antiarrhythmics.html
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