What medication class is often used for the acute management of narrow-complex tachycardia?

Adenosine is the medication class commonly used for the acute management of narrow-complex tachycardia. It temporarily interrupts conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node, resulting in a rapid reduction of the heart rate, potentially restoring normal sinus rhythm. This effect is particularly useful in cases of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), where rapid heart rates are observed due to abnormal electrical pathways above the ventricles.

When administered intravenously, adenosine has a very short half-life, allowing for quick and effective intervention during acute episodes. It is crucial to use adenosine in appropriate clinical scenarios, as its rapid action and AV nodal blocking capability make it highly effective for narrow-complex tachycardias.

In contrast, other medication classes listed, such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, can be beneficial for various arrhythmias but are generally used for longer-term management rather than acute episodes. Digoxin, while it can control heart rate in certain conditions, does not provide the immediate response seen with adenosine for acute narrow-complex tachycardia.