CV Amiodarone Flashcards
1
Q
What is amiodarone used for?
A
Wide range of tachyarrhythmias:
- AF
- SVT
- VT
- VF
2
Q
What is the mechanism of action of Amiodarone?
A
Reduce spontaneous depolarisation:
- Blocks Na, Ca, K channels
- Antagonists of A & B adrenergic receptors
3
Q
What are the adverse effects of amiodarone?
A
- Can cause hypotension during 2. Pneumonitis
- Bradycardia
- AV block
- Hepatitis
- Coz it contains iodine- thyroid problems
- Very long half life
4
Q
What are the important interactions with amiodarone?
A
I. Digoxin
- Diltiazem
- Verapamil
5
Q
What is the dose of Amiodarone?
A
- Used in cardiac arrest in the Advanced Life Support algorithm
- 300mg IV, followed by 20ml of 0.9% saline or 5% glucose as a flush
6
Q
How is amiodarone given?
A
- Cardiac arrest - bolus in a pre filled syringe via a cannula
- Or central line
7
Q
How is amiodarone monitored?
A
- Continuous cardiac monitoring,
2. LFTs/TFTs
