What is the primary medication used to treat ventricular tachycardia?

Lidocaine is primarily used to treat ventricular tachycardia due to its effectiveness in stabilizing the cardiac membrane and increasing the threshold for electrical conduction within the heart. As a Class 1B antiarrhythmic agent, it works by blocking sodium channels, which helps to restore a normal heartbeat during episodes of abnormal rapid heart rhythm like ventricular tachycardia.

When ventricular tachycardia occurs, there is often a risk of the heart not being able to effectively pump blood, which can lead to serious complications. Lidocaine can be administered intravenously, and it acts quickly, making it a preferred choice for this specific scenario. Additionally, it is particularly helpful for managing ventricular arrhythmias, especially in the context of ischemic heart disease.

Other medications mentioned have their specific indications, but they are not the primary choice for this condition: adenosine is primarily used for supraventricular tachycardias, epinephrine is more commonly used in cardiac arrest situations or severe anaphylaxis, and calcium channel blockers are generally utilized for rate control in atrial fibrillation or angina, rather than for ventricular tachycardia. This makes lidocaine the most suitable medication for effectively addressing this particular arrhythmia.