Which medication is used to control tachyarrhythmias during a thyroid storm?

In a thyroid storm, there is a severe overproduction of thyroid hormones that can lead to life-threatening symptoms, including tachyarrhythmias. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, are effective in managing these rapid heart rates. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, thereby reducing heart rate, contractility, and overall cardiac workload. By controlling tachyarrhythmias, propranolol helps stabilize the patient while other treatments, like antithyroid medications or supportive care, address the underlying hyperthyroidism.

Other medications, while they play important roles in managing thyroid conditions or complications associated with it, do not directly target the management of tachyarrhythmias in a thyroid storm. For example, dexamethasone may help reduce the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3, addressing the hypermetabolic state but not specifically controlling heart rate. Levothyroxine, on the other hand, is a thyroid hormone replacement and is not used during a thyroid storm, as it could exacerbate the condition. IV potassium chloride is used for managing electrolyte imbalances but does not address the cardiovascular manifestations of a thyroid storm. Thus, propranolol stands out as the most appropriate and effective treatment for controlling tachy