Atrial fibrillation with a focus on oral antiarrhythmic therapy

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is considered the most common sustained arrhythmia resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and cost. Management of AF includes rate control, prevention of thrombosis, and, in some patients, conversion and maintenance of normal sinus rhythm. Pharmacologic therapy is often used for maintenance of normal sinus rhythm. Current recommended antiarrhythmic drugs include dofetilide, propafenone, sotalol, and amiodarone. In March 2009 a new antiarrhythmic, dronedarone, was approved for use in patients with atrial fibrillation. The aim of this article is to review primary literature of currently available oral antiarrhythmic agents for efficacy, safety and place in therapy in the treatment of atrial fibrillation.