PARA DRUGS

Question 1

amiodarone Mechanism of action

Answer 1

Amiodarone is an antidysrhythmic with a broad spectrum of activity.
* Amiodarone has predominantly class III activity. It prolongs the action potential duration, reduces automaticity and prolongs the refractory period of atrial, nodal and ventricular tissues.
* The electrophysiological effects result in a reduction in abnormal electrical activity (for example ectopy), a reduction in electrical conduction, a reduction in heart rate and a stabilisation of the SA and AV nodes.
* Amiodarone also causes a small increase in coronary blood flow (although this is not usually clinically significant) and a reduction in myocardial oxygen consumption by reducing inotropy (the force of cardiac contraction).

Question 2

amiodarone indications

Answer 2

 Cardiac arrest with VF or VT at any time after the first dose of adrenaline.
 Adults with sustained VT in the absence of cardiac arrest.
 Adults with moderate cardiovascular compromise as a result of fast atrial fibrillation or fast atrial flutter.

Question 3

ameiodarone contraindications

Answer 3

Known severe allergy.
Known severe allergy to iodine.
VT secondary to cyclic antidepressant poisoning. In this setting amiodarone administration can be associated with severe worsening of shock, without resolution of the rhythm.

Question 4

amiodarone cautions

Answer 4

^ None if the patient is in cardiac arrest.

Question 5

doasage of amiodoarone

Answer 5

Cardiac

Question 6

admin of amiodaorne

Answer 6

Cardiac arrest: administer IV undiluted as a bolus.

Question 7

side affects of amiodarone

Answer 7

• Hypotension.
• Feeling light-headed.
• Bradydysrhythmia.

Question 8

onset of amiodaorone

Answer 8

5-10