AMIODARONE

Class
Antidysrhythmic.
Mechanism of Action
Prolongation of Action Potential; non-competitive alpha and beta sympathetic blocking
effects; Calcium channel blocking effects.

Indications
Suppression of Ventricular Fibrillation refractory to defibrillation and Lidocaine.
Suppression of Ventricular Tachycardia refractory to cardioversion and Lidocaine.
Contraindications
Second or Third Degree heart block.
Medication-induced Ventricular dysrhythmias.
Hypotension, Bradycardia, Torsades de Pointes.
Profound Sinus Bradycardia

Adverse Reactions
Hypotension, Bradycardia, Pulseless Electrical Activity, Congestive Heart Failure.
Nausea, fever, abnormal Liver Function Tests, Thrombocytopenia.
Drug Interactions
Will precipitate with Sodium Bicarbonate: incompatible.
Compatible with: Dopamine, Dobutamine, Isoproterenol, Lidocaine, NTG,
Norepinephrine, Phenylephrine, KCL, Procainamide.

Dosage and Administration
Adult: 300 mg slow IV Push over 1-2 minutes in 10 ml Normal Saline, (For ACLS
VF/ Pulseless VT)
IV Drip 0.5-1mg per minute. (For malignant ventricular arrhythmias) per ordering
physician.

How Supplied:
150 mg in 3 ml vials.

Duration of Action:
Onset: Within 5-15 minutes.
Peak Effect: Variable.
Duration: Variable
Special Considerations
Pregnancy safety: Category C
Maintain at room temperature and protect from light in storage (light protection not
required during administration).
Hypotension usually responsive to slowing infusion rate, IV Normal Saline.
Administer cautiously in patients with Heart Failure or poor systolic function.
May be especially effective in high-risk patients with recent acute MI.