The Vaughan Williams classification system remains a useful framework for categorizing antiarrhythmic drugs based on their electrophysiologic mechanisms.
Clinicians may continue using Vaughan Williams classes for antiarrhythmic selection; confirms utility but leaves open need for updates with novel agents.
Although many classification schemes for antiarrhythmic drugs have been proposed, the system introduced by Vaughan Williams and later modified by Harrison has been widely accepted. This classification system is comprised of four categories. Class I agents block sodium channels. Class II agents are Beta blockers. Class III agents prolong the cardiac action potential. Class IV agents are calcium channel blockers. This classification scheme, based largely on clinical observation continues to be useful almost two decades after its introduction. The electrophysiologic bases, strengths and weaknesses of this system are discussed.
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Frumin et al. (1989) studied this question.
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