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 V-Tach (4.08), 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.