Commony Rx Drugs - Amiodarone

Question 1

What is the indication of Amiodarone? (1)

Answer 1

Arrhythmias

Question 2

How should Amiodarone be introduced? (1)

Answer 2

Only started under hospital or specialist supervision.

Question 3

What is the general half-life of Amiodarone? (1)

Answer 3

Long half life (extended to several weeks)

Question 4

What are the common s/e of Amiodarone? (4)

Answer 4

Corneal microdeposits (reversible on withdrawal of treatment)

Phototoxic reactions (shield skin from light during tx and several months after = skin discolouration/changes)

Contains iodine - thyroid function disorders (TFTs during tx) = Pneumonitis is suspected if SOB develops.

Hepatotoxicity (LFTs during tx) - hepatotoxic response = raised transaminases.

Question 5

What are the monitoring requirements for Amiodarone? (2)

Answer 5

TFTs (during tx)
LFT (during tx)

Question 6

What is the risk of using Amiodarone? (1)

Answer 6

Very toxic in overdose.

Question 7

What is the dosing regimen for Amiodarone? (1)

Answer 7

Needs loading dose due to long half-life.
200mg TDS for 1 week, 200mg BD for 1 week then 200mg OD (maintenance)

Question 8

What Amiodarone dose is commonly used in community pharmacy settings? (1)

Answer 8

200mg daily.

Question 9

What factors can induce Amiodarone s/e? (2)

Answer 9

Dose and duration of tx:
- Consider reducing dose to reduce s/e.