Amiodarone Hydrochlorine

Question 0

Drug classification

Answer 0

Antidysrhythmic agent, class III

Question 1

Trade name (2)

Answer 1

Cordarone

Pacerone

Question 2

Actions (5)

Answer 2

1. Prolongs duration of the action potential and effective refractory period.
2. Slows the sinus rate through calcium channel blockade and beta adrenergic blockade.
3. Slows conduction through the AV node.
4. Widens the QRS complex and prolongs the QT interval.
5. Vasodilation action can decrease cardiac workload.

Question 3

Indication (2)

Answer 3

1. Ventricular fibrillation

2. Pulseless ventricular tachycardia unresponsive to CPR (Los Angeles county protocol).

Question 4

Contraindication

Answer 4

None

Question 5

Adverse effects - cardiovascular (5)

Answer 5

Av block
Hypotension
Bradycardia
QT prolongation
CHF

Question 6

Adverse effects - gastrointestinal (2)

Answer 6

Nausea/vomiting

Abdominal pain

Question 7

Adverse effects - neurological (3)

Answer 7

Optic neuropathy
Paresthesia
Tremor

Question 8

Adverse effect - respiratory (2)

Answer 8

Dyspnea

Ards

Question 9

Adverse effects - other

Answer 9

Phlebitis
Coagulation abnormalities
Non-specific liver disorders

Question 10

Administration

Answer 10

Initial dose 300 mg Rapid IVP or IO. Flush with 10 mL NS after each 150 mg.

May repeat in 3-5 minutes - 150 mg rapid IVP or IO

Maximum dose is 450 mg total

Question 11

Pediatrics

Answer 11

5mg/kg rapid IVP or IO. May repeat after 3-5 minutes x 2.

Maximum dose is 15 mg/kg. maximum single dose is 300 mg

Question 12

Onset

Answer 12

Within minutes

Question 13

Duration

Answer 13

Variable

Question 14

Precaution

Continuously monitory ECG

Answer 14

Rationale

May cause QRS & QT prolongation or bradycardia

May induce torsades de pointes

Question 15

Precaution

Frequent vital signs of resumption of pulse

Answer 15

Rationale

Hypotension is common

Question 16

How supplied

Answer 16

150 mg / 3 mL pre filled syringe and vial