What classification does Lidocaine fall under?

Lidocaine is classified as an antidysrhythmic medication, which means it is primarily used to treat and manage irregular heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias. It works by stabilizing the cardiac cell membranes and blocking sodium channels, which helps to restore normal electrical activity in the heart. This property makes it particularly effective in conditions like ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.

In the context of cardiac care, identifying antidysrhythmic agents like Lidocaine is essential, as they play a critical role in the management of life-threatening arrhythmias, particularly during emergency situations or surgical procedures. This classification is distinct from the other types of medications listed: antihypertensives are primarily used to lower blood pressure, anticoagulants prevent blood clotting, and anti-inflammatories reduce inflammation and pain.