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

• VF/VT refractory cardioversion
• Sustained/recurrent VT

Question 3

Contraindications of Amiodarone?

Answer 3

• VT with inadequate perfusion & deteriorating rapidly
• VT and pregnancy
• Hypersensitivity to Amiodarone/Iodine
• TCA Overdose

Question 4

Cautions of Amiodarone?

Answer 4

• NIL

Question 5

Side Effects of Amiodarone?

Answer 5

• Hypotension
• Bradycardia

Question 6

Dosing Regimes of Amiodarone?

Answer 6

Cardiac arrest Adults
- 300 mg for an adult on the 3rd shock IV/IO. If VF or VT persists, a second dose of 150 mg may be administered on the 5th shock
- Hypothermia <30 deg withhold amiodarone, >30 deg double the interval until >35 deg
- Do NOT administer in TCA Overdose (Sodium Channel Blocking antiarrhythmic) or Torsade De Pointe

Cardiac arrest Paediatrics
- 5mg/kg to a max of 300mg on the 3rd shock IV/IO. If VF or VT persists, a second dose of 5mg/kg to a max of 150 mg may be administered on the 5th shock
- Hypothermia <30 deg withhold amiodarone, >30 deg double the interval until >35 deg
- Do NOT administer in TCA Overdose (Sodium Channel Blocking antiarrhythmic) or Torsade De Pointe

Question 7

Onset and duration of Amiodarone?

Answer 7

• Onset = 2 minutes
• Duration = 120 minutes