Amiodarone

Question 1

Pharmacology and presentation of Amiodarone?

Answer 1

150mg in 3ml
- Class III antidysrhythmic that prolongs action potential duration, reduces automaticity and prolongs the refractory period of atrial/nodal/ventricular tissues.
- Results in decreased abnormal electrical activity, electrical conduction and HR.

Question 2

Indicators of Amiodarone?

Answer 2

• Cardiac arrest with VF or VT refractory to cardioversion
• Sustained conscious VT without haemodynamic compromise.

Question 3

Contraindications of Amiodarone?

• 2
• T
• H (HAPP)

Answer 3

• Second or Third degree heart block without Permanent Pace Maker (PPM)
• Hyperkalaemia
  › Known allergy
  › Haemodynamically unstable
  › Other therapies that prolong QT intervals
  › Pregnancy
• Tricyclic and certain other cardiotoxic overdoses.

Question 4

Cautions of Amiodarone?

-THO

Answer 4

• Thyroid disease
• Ondansetron administration in past 24 hours
• Hypotension.

Question 5

Side Effects of Amiodarone?
-BPHV

Answer 5

• Hypotension
• Bradycardia
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Peripheral paraesthesia.

Question 6

Dosing Regimes of Amiodarone?

Answer 6

Cardiac Arrest with VF/VT
- Adult = 300mg IV/IO, repeat once 150mg to a max of 450mg
- Paed = 5mg/kg IV/IO, repeat once to a max of 10mg/kg or 450mg

Question 7

Onset and duration of Amiodarone?

Answer 7

• Onset = 2 minutes
• Duration = 30 minutes to 2 hours dependent on dosing