Amiodarone

Question 1

What is the presentation?

Answer 1

150mg in 300mL

Question 2

How does it work and what effect does it have?

Answer 2

A Class III antidysrhythmic agent that prolongs the action potential duration and hence the refractory period of atrial, nodal and ventricular tissue. It has characteristics of all Vaughan-Williams classes of antidysrhythmics

Question 3

What is the onset, peak and duration?

Answer 3

Onset: immediate
Peak: <10min
Duration: 30-60mins

Question 4

What are the indications?

Answer 4

Cardiac Arrest with persistent/shock resistant Ventricular Fibrillation/pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia, post 3rd shock.

Question 5

What are the contraindications?

Answer 5

None in a cardiac arrest situation

Question 6

What are the precautions?

Answer 6

Heart failure
Thyroid dysfunction
Amiodarone is only indicated for shock resistant or recurrent VF / pulseless VT

Question 7

What is the dosage in a cardiac arrest situation?

Answer 7

Adult: 300mg in 6ml IV/IO once only

Paediatric / Infant: 5mg/kg IV/IO once only

Question 8

What are the side effects?

Answer 8

Bradycardia
Hypotension
Polymorphic tachycardias
Nausea
Tremor
Dizziness
Paraesthesia
Headaches