Amiodarone HCI (Cordarone)

Question 1

Classification

Answer 1

Antidysrythmic agent

Question 2

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

• Acts directly on the myocardium to delay repolarization and increase the duration of the action potential
• Slows sinus rate, increases PR and QT intervals, decreases peripheral vascular resistance

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

• Ventricular arrythmias
• Second-line agent for atrial arrythmias

Question 4

Contraindications

Answer 4

• Sick sinus syndrome
• Second- and third-degree heart block

Question 5

Adverse Effects

Answer 5

• Burning at the IV site
• Hypotension
• Bradycardia

Question 6

Administration

Answer 6

• V-Fib & Pulseless V-Tach
  
  • ​Adult: 300 mg IV/IO, may be followed by one dose of 150 mg in 3-5 minutes.
  • Peds: 5 mg/kg (max 300 mg), may repeat with 5 mg/kg IV/IO up to 15 mg/kg
• Relatively Stable Arrythmias such as PVCs, or Wide Complex Tachycardia with a Strong Pulse:
  
  • ​Adult: 150 mg in 100 mL D5W IV/IO over 10 minutes, may repeat in 10 minutes to a max dose of 2.2 grams over 24 hours
  • Peds: 5 mg/kg very slow IV/IO over 20-60 minutes, may repeat 5 mg/kg doses up to 15 mg/kg (max 300 mg)