Amiodarone

Question 1

Amiodarone Brand Name

Answer 1

Cordarone

Question 2

Amiodarone Class

Answer 2

Antiarrhythmic

Question 3

Amiodarone Action: Potassium Channel Blockade

Answer 3

Delays the outflow of potassium ions, prolonging the duration of the action potential and the effective refractory period. Helps prevent re-entry mechanisms and ectopic foci, which are often responsible for arrhythmias.

Question 4

Amiodarone Action: Sodium and Calcium Channel Blockade

Answer 4

Sodium Channel: Reduces the conduction velocity of electrical impulses in cardiac tissue, leading to a slowed heart rate and improved rhythm control.
Calcium Channel: Decreases intracellular calcium concentration during ventricular contractions, which can also contribute to rhythm stabilization.

Question 5

Amiodarone Adult Dose

Answer 5

Cardiac Arrest: 300 mg IV/IO Repeat 150mg if refractory after 5th shock
Tachycardia Stable/Unstable: 150 mg in 50 cc NS over 10 minutes

Question 5

Amiodarone Action: Beta-Adrenergic Receptor

Answer 5

Reduces the effects of sympathetic stimulation on the heart, further contributing to slowing heart rate and improving rhythm control.

Question 6

Amiodarone Pediatric Dose

Answer 6

Cardiac Arrest: 5 mg/kg IV/IO Repeat 5 mg/kg if refractory after 5th shock
Tachycardia Stable/Unstable: 5 mg/kg in 50 cc NS over 20 minutes

Question 7

Amiodarone Indications

Answer 7

Cardiac Arrest. Tachycardia Stable/Unstable V-fib V-tach

Question 8

Amiodarone Contraindications

Answer 8

Hypersensitivity. Cariogenic Shock. High Grade AV block. Marked Sinus Bradycardia. Bradycardia with Ventricular Escape Beats

Question 9

Amiodarone Adverse Reactions

Answer 9

Seizures. Respiratory Depression. Dizziness. Restlessness. Confusion. Tinnitus. Blurred Vision. Numbness. Muscle Twitching. Hypotension. Bradycardia. Heart Block. N/V

Question 10

Amiodarone Onset/Duration

Answer 10

Onset: Within minutes
Duration: 30 - 45 minutes