What category of drugs do Lidocaine and Mexiletine belong to?

Lidocaine and Mexiletine are classified as Class 1B antiarrhythmic drugs. This classification is significant because Class 1B drugs primarily target sodium channels in the heart and are particularly effective in treating ventricular arrhythmias. They work by stabilizing the cardiac cell membrane, which reduces the excitability of cardiac tissues.

Class 1B drugs are unique in that they have a rapid association and dissociation with sodium channels, making them more effective during depolarization phases of the cardiac action potential. This allows them to be particularly useful in emergency situations such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, where fast action is required.

Understanding the category is essential for healthcare professionals to appropriately choose antiarrhythmic medications based on the type of arrhythmia being treated and the patient's specific condition. The distinction among the class categories helps in implementing effective pharmacotherapy in clinical practice.