Classification
Antidysrhythmic agent
Description
Class III antidysrhythmic agent used to treat ventricular Dysrhythmia
Mechanism of Action
Prolongs the action potential duration in all cardiac tissues
Pharmacokinetics
Onset: 2-3 days (oral)
Peak Effects: 3-7 hours (oral)
Duration: Varies
Half-Life: 40-55 days
Indications
Life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation
Contraindications
Cardiogenic shock, second or third AV blocks, symptomatic bradycardia
Precautions
Heart failure, as the medication may worsen its affects
Side Effects
Hypotension, bradycardia, increased ventricular beats, prolonged PR intervals, QRS complex and QT intervals, dyspnea and cough
Interactions
May react with warfarin, digoxin, procainamide, quinidine, phenytoin
Dosage
Ventricular Dysrhythmia with pulse (adults) – 150mg over 10 mins (15mg/min) IV/IO, repeated as needed
Ventricular Dysrhythmia without pulse (adults) – 300mg repeat at 150mg IV/IO
Maintenance dose – 1mg/min for 6 hours, then 0.5mg/min