Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Question 1

Amiodarone Class?

Answer 1

Class III antidysrhytmic

Question 2

Amiodarone Action?

Answer 2

Prolongs duration of the action potential and prolongs the refractory period. Also has beta adrenergic receptor and calcium channel blocking activity.

Question 3

Amiodarone Indications?

Answer 3

V-Fib, hemodynamically unstable V-Tach, treatment for some stable atrial rhythms

Question 4

Amiodarone Contraindications?

Answer 4

CHF, cardiogenic shock, bradycardia, 2nd or 3rd degree heart block, hypersensitivity

Question 5

Amiodarone Onset/Duration?

Answer 5

Onset - Minutes

Duration - 30 to 45 days

Question 6

Amiodarone Dose/Route?

Answer 6

Adult : Pulseless V-Tach/V-Fib arrest - 300mg IV/IO can repeat once at 150mg IV/IO.
V-Tach with a pulse - 150mg IV drip over 10 mins up to 2.2 mg/hour

Peds : Pulseless V-Tach/V-Fib arrest - 5mg/kg IV/IO.
V-Tach with a pulse - 5mg/kg IV drip over 20 - 60 mins with max of 15mg/kg per day.

Question 7

Amiodarone Side Effects?

Answer 7

Bradycardia, hypotension, headache, CHF, abnormal liver/thyroid functions