Supraventricular Tachycardia

Medications

If you have symptoms, medicines may be used to treat supraventricular tachycardia.

Medication Choices

For severe symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or feeling faint, you may be given fast-acting antiarrhythmic medicines by health professionals in the hospital emergency department, where your heart can be monitored. Fast-acting antiarrhythmic medicines commonly used to slow the heart rate during an episode include:

• Adenosine.
• Calcium channel blockers (specifically verapamil and diltiazem).
• Beta-blockers (specifically propranolol, metoprolol, or esmolol).

Long-term use of an antiarrhythmic medicine may also be needed to reduce the chance of having more episodes of supraventricular tachycardia or to reduce the heart rate during these episodes. Common medicines used for this purpose include:

• Beta-blockers.
• Calcium channel blockers.
• Digoxin.
• Other antiarrhythmic medicines.

What to Think About

All medicines have side effects. See a table of medicines that may interact with other medicines and with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).

More information What are the limitations and side effects of antiarrhythmic medicines?

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: September 26, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Laurence Epstein, MD - Cardiac Electrophysiologist
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.