Amiodarone

Question 1

How does it work?

Answer 1

Anti-arrhythmic drug - usually 2nd or 3rd line

Potassium channel blocker - prolongs refractory period

Blocks sodium

Slows down sinus rate and AV conduction, and slightly prolongs the QT interval

Can also cause peripheral vasodilation

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

Anti-arrhythmic - commonly used in atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter

Also indicated in: paroxysmal SVT, nodal + VT, AF + flutter, VF, tacharrhythmias associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Question 3

Contraindications

Answer 3

Severe conduction disturbances (unless paced)

Sinus node disease (unless paced)

Iodine sensitivity

Sinoatrial heart block

Sinus bradycardia

Thyroid dysfunction

Question 4

Specific CIs with IV use

Answer 4

Cardiomyopathy

Congestive heart failure

Severe arterial hypotension

Severe respiratory failure

Question 5

Side effects

Answer 5

Corneal microdeposits

Thyroid function - amiodarone contains iodine

Hepatotoxicity

Pulmonary toxicity

Peripheral neuropathy