Amiodarone

Question 1

What is amiodarone used for?

Answer 1

Treatment of arrhythmias

Question 2

What is the dose for amiodarone?

Answer 2

200mg TDS for 7 days
200mg BD for 7 days
200mg OD maintenance

Question 3

Amiodarone side effects (10)

Answer 3

N+V
Taste disturbance
Pulmonary toxicity
Reversible corneal micro-deposits
Phototoxicity
Slate grey skin
Tremor
Sleep disorder
Hypo/Hyperthyroidism
Jaundice

Question 4

Amiodarone monitoring

Answer 4

Liver function tests before treatment, then every 6 months
Thyroid function tests before treatment, then every 6 months.
Serum potassium before treatment
Chest x-ray before treatment

Question 5

Amiodarone Interactions

Answer 5

Warfarin: Amiodarone inhibits warfarin metabolism - enhanced anticoag

B-blockers: Increased risk of bradycardia, AV block and myocardial depression

Lithium: Risk of ventricular arrhythmias

Digoxin: Amiodarone increases Digoxin plasma conc

Question 6

Is amiodarones half life long or short?

Answer 6

LONG - interactions can happen several weeks or months later