Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

Which medication is an example of an antiarrhythmic?

1. Calan

2. Inderal

3. Codeine

4. Albuterol

The correct answer is: Inderal

The correct choice as an example of an antiarrhythmic medication is Calan, which is also known by its generic name, verapamil. Antiarrhythmics are a class of medications used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Verapamil works by blocking calcium channels in the heart muscle and blood vessels, which helps to slow down the conduction of electrical signals through the heart, thereby stabilizing heart rhythms and controlling heart rate. Inderal, known generically as propranolol, is a beta-blocker used primarily for hypertension and to prevent migraine headaches. While it does have some application in treating certain types of arrhythmias, it is not classified strictly as an antiarrhythmic in the same way that verapamil is. Codeine, an opioid used for pain management, and Albuterol, a bronchodilator for asthma and other respiratory conditions, do not have any role in managing arrhythmias. Thus, they are unrelated to the classification of antiarrhythmic medications. This context helps clarify why Calan serves as a better example of an antiarrhythmic medication.