Antiarrhythmic Flashcards
1
Q
Name for amiodarone
A
Cordarone
2
Q
What class is amiodarone
A
Class III arrhythmic
3
Q
What is amiodarones therapeutic action
A
- block potassium channels and slow the outward movement of potassium during phase 3 of the action potential.
- Acts directly on heart muscle cells to prolong repolarization and the refractory period, increasing the threshold for ventricular fibrillation; also acts on peripheral smooth muscle to decrease peripheral resistance.
- has the potential of inducing arrhythmias (proarrhytmic)
4
Q
what is the indication for amiodoarone
A
- Ventricular fibrillation or pulsesless Vtach in cardiac arrests
5
Q
How can amiodarone be administered?
A
IV or orally
6
Q
Cautions that should be used with amiodoarone
A
- shock
- hypotension
- respiratory depression
- prolonged QTc interval
- renal and hepatic disease
7
Q
Adverse effects of amiodoarone
A
-N/V/ GI distress
- weakness / dizziness
hypotension
HF
fatal liver toxicity, lung fibrosis, cardiac arrhythmia’s`
8
Q
Serious toxic effects can occur if amiodoarone is combined with what?
A
digoxin or quinidine
9
Q
What drugs increased the risk of proarrhythmias if combined with amiodoarone?
A
antihistamines, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants
10
Q
Amiodarone is recommended for
A
use during life support meausres
