Amiodarone

Antidysrhythmic

1. Prolongs duration of action potential and refractory period without significantly effecting the resting potential
2. Relaxes smooth muscles causing vasodilation (especially in the coronary arteries)
3. Raises the threshold for Ventricular Fibrillation

Treatment of Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation refractory to initial defibrillation attempts

1. Cardiogenic shock
2. Bradycardia
3. Sick Sinus Syndrome

Cardiovascular: cardiogenic shock, hypotension, bradycardia, CHF
Neurological: muscle weakness, tingling/numbness, dizziness, headache
Respiratory: pulmonary toxicity

Hypersensitivity to iodine

1. Incompatible with Sodium Bicarbonate, Heparin and Aminophylline
2. Significantly increases digoxin levels and phenytoin (Dilantin) levels

IVP, IVPB and IO

Arrest: 300 mg IVP/IO followed by 10-20 ml NS flush
150 mg IVP/IO followed by 10-20 ml NS flush in 3-5 minutes if no conversion
Wide-complex Tachycardia: 150 mg slow IVP/IO over 10 minutes (may repeat as necessary)
Maintenance Infusion: 0.5 mg per minute for post conversion (540 mg over 18 hours)

Arrest: 5 mg/kg IVP/IO followed by 10 ml NS flush, max dose is
15 mg/kg
Tachydysrhythmias: 5 mg/kg IVP/IO over 20-60 minutes, max
dose 15 mg/kg