What is the drug of choice to control supraventricular tachycardia
The drugs used for SVT typically include adenosine, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and sometimes digoxin. Adenosine is known for its rapid action in blocking the AV node, which is crucial in terminating re-entry circuits. It's usually the first-line because it acts quickly and has a short half-life, minimizing side effects.
Now, the options are A to D, but the user hasn't provided them. Since the correct answer is given as adenosine, the wrong options might be other drugs like amiodarone, lidocaine, or procainamide. Let's think about why those are incorrect. Amiodarone is used for ventricular arrhythmias, not typically first-line for SVT. Lidocaine is for ventricular tachycardia. Procainamide might be used but isn't the first choice. Also, beta-blockers like metoprolol can be used but are not as fast-acting as adenosine.
For the clinical pearl, it's important to remember that adenosine's rapid administration is key. Also, if the patient is hemodynamically unstable, immediate cardioversion is needed instead of drug therapy. The high-yield fact here is adenosine's role as first-line and its mechanism of action.
**Core Concept**
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is managed pharmacologically by interrupting the re-entry circuit or slowing AV nodal conduction. Adenosine is the first-line agent due to its rapid onset, short half-life, and AV node-specific action.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Adenosine acts as a potent AV nodal blocker by activating Aβ receptors, causing transient hyperpolarization and slowing conduction through the AV node. It is effective in terminating SVT caused by re-entry (e.g., AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia) without affecting the sinus node. Its rapid IV administration (6 mg bolus) ensures quick termination of arrhythmia, with minimal systemic effects due to its 10-second half-life.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Amiodarone is reserved for ventricular arrhythmias or unstable SVT unresponsive to adenosine. It has broad antiarrhythmic effects but slower onset.
**Option B:** Lidocaine is ineffective for SVT; it targets sodium channels in ventricular tissue and is used for ventricular tachycardia.
**Option C:** Procainamide may be used for SVT but is not first-line due to risk of hypotension and prolonged QT interval.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Adenosine must be administered as a rapid IV push (6 mg initial dose) to achieve therapeutic levels. If ineffective, repeat with 12 mg. Avoid in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome with pre-excited AF due to risk of ventricular fibrillation.
**Correct Answer: D.