Final answer:
The drug most commonly used to treat ventricular tachycardia is β-blockers such as metoprolol and propranolol, rather than nitroglycerin or norepinephrine. β-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, thereby reducing heart rate and improving heart function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment for Ventricular Tachycardia
The most commonly used drug to treat ventricular tachycardia is not nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) but rather medications like β-blockers. β-blockers, such as metoprolol and propranolol, are more appropriate for managing conditions like ventricular tachycardia because they work by blocking β-receptors associated with vasoconstriction and cardioacceleration. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator primarily used for treating chest pain related to angina and myocardial infarction due to its mechanism of releasing nitric oxide, which helps relax the smooth muscle in blood vessels. Other treatments for arrhythmias may include antiarrhythmic agents like procainamide, medical devices like pacemakers, or even surgery.
In contrast, norepinephrine (Levophed), while it does act on the sympathetic nervous system, is not typically used to treat ventricular tachycardia. It generally acts as a vasoconstrictor, and its administration may worsen the condition by increasing the heart's workload.