Amiodarone

Question 1

Amiodarone
Drug Class

Answer 1

Antiarrhythmic - prolongs the action potential time, increasing the absolute refractory period of myocardial cells and slowing the conduction of electrical impulses.

Question 2

Amiodarone
Onset

Answer 2

Immediate onset, peak <10 minutes.

Question 3

** Amiodarone**
Duration

Answer 3

30-60 minutes.

Question 4

** Amiodarone**
Indications

Answer 4

Cardiac arrest with persistent/shock resistant ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia, post 3rd shock.

Question 5

Amiodarone
Contraindications

Answer 5

Nil in cardiac arrest.

Question 6

** Amiodarone **
Cardiac Arrest
Dose

Answer 6

**Adult **- IV/IO 300 mg (6 mL) administered after 3rd shock.

Repeat 150 mg (3 mL) administered after 5th shock.

Paediatric - IV/IO 5 mg/kg I (max bolus 300 mg) administered after 3rd shock.

Repeat 5 mg/kg IV/IO (max bolus 150 mg) administered after 5th shock.

Question 7

** Amiodarone**
Side effects

Answer 7

Hypotension
Bradycardia
Nausa AND/OR Vomitting
Peripheral Paraesthesia