Amiodarone

Question 1

What is it and mechanism

Answer 1

anti-dysrrhythmic drug

potassium channel blocker (class 3) which stops depolarisation of the heart muscle so decreases heart rate and increases the refractory period, reducing cardiac muscle cell excitability-> normal heart rhythm

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

Severe rhythm disorders when other treatments can’t be used (lots of
effects)

e.g. ventricular tachycardia, AF, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

must be in hospital/ under specialist supervision

Question 3

contraindications

Answer 3

hypersensitive to iodine or Amiodarone

sinus brachycardia, SA heart block

hypotension

heart failure unless well monitored

thyroid dysfunction (TFT before therapy

pregnancy

Question 4

interactions

Answer 4

beta-blockers e.g. atenolol

HR-lowering calcium channel blockers e.g. verapamil

drugs that cause hypokalaemia e.g. laxatives, diuretics

Question 5

side effects

Answer 5

skin photosensitivity

blurred vision

coloured halos in dazzling light

hypothyroid

brachycardia

hypotension

tremor

mild myasthenia

eczema