Common Medications for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Many patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) can successfully manage their condition through medications, which focus on controlling heart rate and rhythm and reducing the risk of stroke.

• Novel Anticoagulants
  • Blood thinners, such as warfarin and novel anticoagulants like apixaban and rivaroxaban, are used to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke.
• Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants)
• Rate Control Strategy Medications
  • Medications such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are used to slow the heart rate, keeping it within a normal range during AFib episodes.
• Rhythm Control Strategy Medications
  • Anti-arrhythmic drugs like amiodarone and sotalol aim to maintain a regular heart rhythm.

A small number of patients have Afib that does not respond to any of the available medications and require other interventions such as AFib Ablation.