Amiodarone

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

Class III Antiarrhythmic

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

1. Suppression of V-Fib/pulseless V-Tach refractory to defibrillation
2. Suppression of life-threatening V-Tach refractory to cardioversion
3. Suppression of hemodynamically stable monomorphic V-Tach
4. May also be given to prevent reoccurrence of V-Fib or V-Tach following conversion (however this is no longer routinely recommended)

Question 3

Contraindications

Answer 3

1. Known hypersensitivity to Iodine (IV contrast dye)
2. High-degree heart blocks
3. Market sinus bradycardia
4. Neonate

Question 4

Dosing for V-Fib/pulseless V-Tach refractory to defibrillation

Answer 4

300 mg IV/IO rapid bolus, diluted in 20 mL of normal saline. May be repeated at 150 mg IV/IO bolus over 30 seconds diluted in 10 mL of normal saline if V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach persists.

Question 5

Dosing for stable V-Tach with a pulse

Answer 5

150 mg IV/IO bolus of 10 min diluted in 100 mL of normal saline

Question 6

Dosing for Post-Conversion prophylaxis of V-Fib/V-Tach

Answer 6

1 mg/min IV/IO infusion (note: this recommendation was removed from the cardiac arrest algorithms in the 2015 ACLS update, but remains an option upon expert consultation)

Question 7

Onset

Answer 7

5 - 15 minutes

Question 8

Duration

Answer 8

Variable