Which medication is commonly used to treat atrial fibrillation?

• A. Amiodarone
• B. Sertraline
• C. Duloxetine
• D. Tramadol

Answer: (A)

Amiodarone is a broad-spectrum antiarrhythmic commonly used to treat atrial fibrillation because it effectively helps restore and maintain normal sinus rhythm across a wide range of patients, including those with structural heart disease. It works by blocking potassium channels, which lengthens the cardiac action potential and the refractory period. This reduces the ability of the atrial tissue to sustain rapid, irregular impulses, making it easier for the heart to stay in a normal rhythm. Amiodarone is favored in many AF situations for its strong rhythm-control efficacy and relative safety in patients with heart disease, though it requires careful monitoring for potential side effects such as effects on the thyroid, liver, lungs, and eyes.

The other medications listed do not target atrial fibrillation. Sertraline and duloxetine are antidepressants, not antiarrhythmics. Tramadol is an analgesic with no routine role in treating AF.