AMIODARONE

Question 1

USE OF AMIODARONE?

Answer 1

For arrhythmia treatment when other drugs are ineffective

Question 2

IV administration dose and frequency/ makeup

Answer 2

continuous or intermittently in glucose 5 (incompatible with NaCl
250ml over 20-30 minutes, repeat up to 1.2g maximum. dont dilute to less than 600mcg/ml

Question 3

monitoring when using amiodarone?

Answer 3

thyroid function tests before treatment and every 6 months
LFTs before and every 6 months
potassium levels before
CXR before

Question 4

Monitoring with IV amiodarone use?

Answer 4

ECG monitoring and resuscitation facilities must be available

Question 5

why can amiodarone cause hypo/hyperthyroidism?

what should you do in each?

Answer 5

contains iodine which can cause disorders.

hypo: don’t withdraw you can treat with replacement

Question 6

side effects of amiodarone?

Answer 6

hepatic disorders, hyperthyroidism, resp disorders, hypertension, severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARS)

Question 7

can you use in pregnancy?

Answer 7

slight risk of neonatal goitre: only use if no alternative

avoid in BF, can cause neonatal hypothyroidism by iodine release

Question 8

what type of drugs should amiodarone not be given with?

Answer 8

antiretrovirals (sofosbuvir, daclatasvir etc

risk of severe bradycardia and heart block

Question 9

when can DDIs occur?

Answer 9

has a long half life so can occur weeks/ months after treatment is stopped.

Question 10

cautions?

Answer 10

acute prophyrias, conduction disturbances, elderly, HF, hypokalaemia, bradycarida