Amiodarone


Amiodarone

 

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