Antiarrhythmic Flashcards
what is the brand name for Amiodarone?
Cordarone
Pacerone
Class of Amiodarone?
Antiarrhythmic
Indication amiodarone used for?
secondary prophylaxis of ventricular arrhythmias
(sig: 400 mg po q8-12h × 1-2 wk, then 200-400 mg po once daily or 400 mg po q8-24h for a total load of 6-10 g, then 200-400 mg po once daily)
Amiodarone MOA?
a type III antiarrhythmic that prolongs the effective refractory period of atrial and ventricular tissue by blocking potassium conductance
Contraindication for amiodarone?
hypersensitivity, severe bradycardia, severe sinus node dysfunction, 2nd/3rd degree AV block and cardiogenic shock
Common ADR?
nausea, vomiting, phospholipidemia (presence og phospholipids in the blood)
Less common ADR?
Alopecia, bradyarrhythmia, hypotension, increased LFTs, peripheral neuropathy, photosensitivity, thyroid dysfunction
Serious and Rare ADR?
Blindness, hepatotoxicity, pulmonary fibrosis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, thyrotoxicosis, ventricular arrhythmias
Monitoring?
Efficacy: ECG for normalized sinus rhythm as well as HR and symptomatic improvement if used for rate control
Toxicity: ECG for Qt prolongation, eye exams at baseline and q6months, chest xrays and pulmonary function q3-6mo, liver enzymes and thyroid fxn test
Key patient counseling points?
use sunscreen and avoid tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure; Report signs/symptoms of cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary toxicity, or liver toxicity. Multiple drug interactions so inform providers about all medications you are taking. Take consistently with regard to meals but avoid taking with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Patient medication guide must be dispensed with this medication.
***may cause skin to turn bluish-gray color, may exacerbate arrhythmias, IV formulation available and used on the hospital and given over 1 or more wks
