Amiodarone Flashcards
Whay type of drug is amiodarone?
Class III antiarrhythmic agent
What is amiodarone used for?
Treatment of atrial, nodal and ventricular tachycardias
What is the main mechanism of action of amiodarone?
Blocks the potassium channels
What type of half life does amiodarone have?
Long half life
Why shoudl amiodaronebe administered via central veins?
Causes thrombophlebitis
What effect can amiodarone have on the heart?
Bradycardia
Prolonged QT interval
What needs to be monitored prior to starting amiodarone?
TFT, LFT, U&E, CXR
What needs to be monitored every 6 months on amiodarone?
TFT and LFT every 6 months
What effects can amiodarone have on thyroid funtion?
Hyper and hypothyroidism
What effect can amiodarone have on the liver?
liver fibrosis/hepatitis
What effect can amiodarone have on the lungs?
pulmonary fibrosis/pneumonitis
What effect can amiodarone have on someones complexion?
‘slate-grey’ appearance
What can occur at the injection site with amiodarone?
Thrombophlebitis
What neurological effects can amiodarone have?
peripheral neuropathy, myopathy
photosensitivity
What drugs can amiodaroen interact with?
p450 inhibitor- e.g. Decreases metabolism of warfarin
