View source for Amiodarone

==Section 8 - MEDICATION GUIDELINES==
===ANTIARRHYTHMICS===


====Amiodarone / Antiarrhythmic====
'''DESCRIPTION:'''
* Class III antidysrhythmic that prolongs the cardiac action potential and repolarization phase of the cardiac cycle. It shows beta-blocker and potassium channel blocker properties thus reducing dysrhythmias. It has complex drug effects on sodium and potassium.
'''INDICATIONS:'''
* [[Ventricular Fibrillation Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia|Ventricular Fibrillation]], [[Ventricular Fibrillation Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia|Pulseless V-Tach]] (4.08), [[Ventricular Tachycardia with a Palpable Pulse|V-Tach with a pulse]] (4.09).
'''CONTRAINDICATIONS:'''
* Sinus bradycardia, AV blocks.
'''PRECAUTIONS:'''
* Not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.
* Multiple drug interactions – interacts with digoxin, warfarin, phenytoin.
* When given concurrently with simvastatin (cholesterol drugs) it increases the risk for rhabdomyolysis and renal failure.
'''DOSAGE:'''
* Adult
** VF/VT – 300 mg IVP, IO. May repeat once with 150 mg IVP, IO if dysrhythmia is not suppressed with initial dose.
** VT with a pulse – 150 mg diluted in 50 ml (Buretrol) over 10 minutes.
* Pediatric - Refer to Handtevy System for pediatric specific dosage.
** VF/VT - 5 mg/kg, can repeat dose in 5 mg/kg doses to max of 15 mg/kg total dose.

[[Category:Medication Guidelines|Amiodarone ]]