Amiodarone

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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:

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.