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BNSSG Adult Joint Formulary
2.1 Arrhythmias
Last edited: 21-05-2025
First line drugs |
Second line drugs |
Specialist drugs |
Secondary care drugs |
Recommended in both primary and secondary care |
Alternatives (often in specific conditions) in both primary and secondary care |
Where a specialist input is needed (see introduction for definition) |
Prescribing principally within secondary care only |
Antiarrhythmics
Recommended:
Adenosine (TLS Red)
Amiodarone (intravenous) (TLS Red)
Amiodarone (oral) (TLS Amber)
Digoxin (intravenous) (TLS Red)
Digoxin (oral) (TLS Green)
Please see MHRA Prescribing medicines in renal impairment: using the appropriate estimate of renal function to avoid the risk of adverse drug reactions
Disopyramide (intravenous) (TLS Red)
Disopyramide (oral) (TLS Green) - please see the Stock Shortages page
Flecainide (intravenous) (TLS Red)
Flecainide (oral) (TLS Amber Specialist Recommended)
Lidocaine (TLS Red)
Magnesium sulphate - see 9.2.5 (TLS Red)
Mexiletine (TLS Red)
Propafenone (intravenous) (TLS Red)
Propafenone (oral) (TLS amber Specialist Recommended)
Sotalol (intravenous) (TLS Red)
Sotalol (oral) (TLS Green)
Please see MHRA Prescribing medicines in renal impairment: using the appropriate estimate of renal function to avoid the risk of adverse drug reactions
Verapamil (intravenous) (TLS Red)
Verapamil (oral) (TLS Green)
Specific Indication:
Dronedarone (TLS Amber 3 months) (SCP click here)
- For the treatment of non-permanent AF, in accordance with the recommendations in NICE TA197
- Following cases of rare but serious liver injury in patients using dronedarone, please See MHRA guidance
Ajmaline (Unlicensed, TLS Red)
- Approved for use in the diagnosis of Brugada syndrome by Consultant Cardiologists only.
Procainamide (intravenous) (Unlicensed, TLS Red)
- Approved for severe or symptomatic ventricular arrhythmia, as a third-line option for specialist use only
Cardiac Glycosides
Recommended: (TLS Green)
Digoxin
Please see MHRA Prescribing medicines in renal impairment: using the appropriate estimate of renal function to avoid the risk of adverse drug reactions
Digoxin-specific antibody
Specific indication: (TLS Red)
Digoxin-specific antibody fragments - reversal of life-threatening Digoxin overdose
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