Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Question 1

Classification:

Answer 1

• Antiarrhythmic
  -Class III

Question 2

Action:

Answer 2

• Acts directly on the myocardium to delay repolarization and increase the duration of the action potential

Question 3

Indications:

Answer 3

• Ventricular arrhythmias
• Second line agent for atrial arrhythmias

Question 4

Adverse Effects:

Answer 4

• Burning at the IV site
• Hypotension
• Bradycardia

Question 5

Contraindications:

Answer 5

• Sick sinus syndrome
• Second and third degree heart block
• Cardiogenic shock
• When episodes of bradycardia have caused syncope
• Sensitivity to benzyl alcohol and iodine

Question 6

Dosage V-Fib and Pulseless V-Tach (Adult):

Answer 6

• 300 mg IV, IO. May be followed by one dose of 150 mg in 3-5 mins

Question 7

Dosage V-Fib and Pulseless V-Tach (Pediatric):

Answer 7

• 5 mg/kg (Max dose: 300 mg)
• May repeat 5 mg/kg IV, IO up to 15 mg/kg

Question 8

Relatively Stable Pts w/ Arrhythmias Such as PVCs/ Wide Complex Tachycardias w/ Strong Pulse Dosage (Adult):

Answer 8

• 150 mg in 100 mL D5W IV, IO over 10 min period
• Once ROSC is accomplished, begin infusion of 1 mg/min for 6 hours, then decrease to 0.5 mg/min
• May repeat in 10 mins up to max dose of 2.2g over 24 hours

Question 9

Relatively Stable Pts w/ Arrhythmias Such as PVCs/ Wide Complex Tachycardias w/ Strong Pulse Dosage (Pediatric):

Answer 9

• 5 mg/kg very slow IV, IO (over 20-60 mins)
• May repeat in 5 mg/kg doses up to 15 mg/kg (Max dose of 300 mg)