Antiarrhythmic drugs for supraventricular tachycardia.

Many antiarrhythmic drugs are available for treatment of supraventricular tachycardia. Selection of the appropriate drug is helped by the identification of the site of origin, mechanism and pathway of the arrhythmia. For most types of supraventricular tachycardia greater than 1 antiarrhythmic drug is available. Comparative studies between the effect of different antiarrhythmic drugs on the same arrhythmia are few, preventing scientifically proved advice on "the best" drug for a given arrhythmia. Familiarity with a limited number of antiarrhythmic drugs will increase therapeutic efficacy and reduce the incidence of unpleasant surprises to patient and physician.