Amiodarone (CCP)

Question 1

Amiodarone Drug Class

Answer 1

Anti-arrythmic

Question 2

Pharmacology of Amiodarone

Answer 2

Prolongs duration of action potential, thus refractory period of atrial, nodal and ventricular tissues.

Question 3

Metabolism of Amiodarone

Answer 3

Excreted via the liver and GI tract y biliary excretion

Question 4

Contra-indications of Amiodarone

Answer 4

For - Cardiac Arrest - NIL
For - Sustained Conscious VT

Allergy/ADR
Severe conduction disorder (unless AICD/Pacemaker insitu)
Current Amiodarone therapy 
Pregnancy/lactation 
Concurrent anti-arrhythmic therapy

Question 5

Indications of Amiodarone

Answer 5

Cardiac Arrest (refractory VF or pulseless VT)
Sustained Conscious VT

Question 6

Precautions of Amiodarone

Answer 6

Cardiac Arrest- Thyroid Disease, concurrent anti-arrhythmic that prolongs QT interval
Sustained Conscious VT- Hypotension and thyroid disease

Question 7

Side effects of Amiodarone

Answer 7

Hypotension
Bradycardia
Nausea/Vomitting
Peripheral Paraesthesia

Question 8

Presentation of Amiodarone

Answer 8

Amp- 150mg/3ml

Question 9

Onset, Duration and Half Life of Amiodarone

Answer 9

5 Mins, 30 mins and 14-110 days (chronic dosing)

Question 10

Routes of Administration for Administration

Answer 10

IV, IO, IV INF

Question 11

If the patient is on oral Amiodarone and in cardiac arrest, can you give this medication?

Answer 11

Yes

Question 12

Adult Dosage of Amiodarone for Cardiac Arrest

Answer 12

IV/IO 300mg, slow push over 2 minutes repeated once at 150mg after 5 minutes. Max dose 450mg

Question 13

Adult Dosage of Amiodarone for conscious VT

Answer 13

IV INF by CCP- Loading dose 300mg over 30 minutes