Antiarrhythmic drugs are used to treat and prevent cardiac arrhythmias by blocking ion channels involved in cardiac impulse generation and conduction. Class I drugs like quinidine and procainamide block sodium channels to prolong the action potential duration, while Class IB drugs like lignocaine shorten repolarization. Class III drugs like amiodarone block potassium channels to prolong the action potential. Calcium channel blockers like verapamil inhibit calcium influx. Other drugs include adenosine for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, beta blockers for supraventricular arrhythmias, and atropine for bradycardias. Adverse effects vary between drugs but include arrhythmias, heart block and QT prolong