What is the drug of choice for treating supraventricular tachycardia?

Adenosine is the drug of choice for treating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) due to its rapid onset and effectiveness in restoring normal sinus rhythm. It works by temporarily blocking conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node, which can interrupt the circuit responsible for the SVT. This action allows the heart to reset its rhythm and transition back to a normal sinus rhythm.

When adenosine is administered, it typically acts very quickly, with effects seen within seconds, making it particularly useful in acute situations. The overall mechanism makes it well-suited for this specific type of rhythm disturbance. It is also worth noting that adenosine has a very short half-life, so it will not linger in the system unnecessarily, which is beneficial in an emergency setting.

Other options, while used for various cardiac issues, do not serve as the first-line treatment for SVT. Amiodarone, for example, is more commonly used for ventricular arrhythmias and has a longer duration of action. Lidocaine is primarily effective for ventricular arrhythmias, particularly in the context of ischemic heart disease or post-cardiac arrest situations. Beta blockers can be useful for rate control, but they are not as immediate or