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Mnemonics, Simplified Concepts & Thoughts

Antiarrhythmics Classification (Vaughan Williams)

Epomedicine, May 27, 2024May 27, 2024

Last updated on May 27, 2024

Understand the conducting system of heart, cardiac action potential and pacemaker action potential.

Physiology of Conducting System of Heart

Mnemonic to remember Vaughan Williams classification for anti-arrhythmic – Some Block Potassium Channel DAAM!

MnemonicClassMechanism of actionCommentsExampleUse
SomeIASodium channel blocker (moderate)
Intermediate action
Moderate ↓ phase 0 slope
↑ EFR & AP duration
Additional class III action
Quinidine, Procainamide, DisopyramideVentricular arrhythmias, WPW (procainamide)
IBSodium channel blocker (weak)
Fast action
Small ↓ phase 0 slope
↓ EFR & AP duration
Lidocaine, MexiletineVT
ICSodium channel blocker (strong)
Slow action
Pronounced ↓ phase 0 slope
= EFR & AP duration
Flecainide, PropafenoneParoxysmal AF, recurrent SVT
BlockIIBeta blocker↓ phase 4 slope in nodes (pacemaker potential)
Prolong AV node repolarization
Atenolol, Bisoprolol, Carvedilol, Esmolol, Metoprolol, Propranolol, SotalolRecurrent tachyarrhythmias
PotassiumIIIPotassium channel blockerDelay phase 3 (repolarization)Amiodarone (also class I, II & IV action), Sotalol (also class II action), Dofetilide, IbutilideAtrial fibrillation & flutter, Ventricular tachycardia
ChannelIVCalcium channel blockerProlongs phase 2
↓ slope phase 0 & 4 in node (pacemaker potential)
Prolong AV node repolarization
Verapamil, DiltiazemParoxysmal SVT, AF with RVR
DAAMV/OthersDirect nodal inhibitionDigoxin
Atropine
Adenosine
Magensium sulphate
SVT (Adenosine), Torsades de pointes (Magnesium), Rate control in AF (Digoxin)
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PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS Cardiovascular systemPharmacology

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Epomedicine. Antiarrhythmics Classification (Vaughan Williams) [Internet]. Epomedicine; 2024 May 27 [cited 2025 May 30]. Available from: https://epomedicine.com/medical-students/antiarrhythmics-classification-vaughan-williams/.

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