Amiodarone Flashcards
1
Q
What class of drug is amiodarone?
A
Class III antiarrhythmic - K+ channel blocker
2
Q
What are the uses of amiodarone?
A
Broad anti-arrhythmic activity
(Most arrhythmias)
3
Q
What is the mechanism of action of amiodarone?
A
Potassium channel blocker
- prolong repolarisation by inhibiting K+ efflux > prolongs AP
- ‘resets SAN’
4
Q
What are the adverse effects of amiodarone?
A
- Lung fibrosis
- heptatotoxic
- optic neuritis (transient blindness)
- thyroid toxicity
- peripheral neuropathy
- blueish/grey skin
5
Q
What are important drug drug interactions with amiodarone?
A
- Digoxin
- Warfarin
- Verapamil
- increases [plasma]
6
Q
What are the contraindications of amiodarone?
A
Heart block
Active thyroid disease
7
Q
What should you warn your patient about when prescribing amiodarone?
A
It will feel like their heart has stopped
