Amiodarone Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the indication of amiodarone?
- Treatment of arrhythmias
What is the dose of amiodarone?
Adult dose = 200mg BD for a week
Maintenance dose =200mg daily
Side effects - Ami the Photogentic Bitch xoxox
-Photosensitive
- Bradycardia
- Interstitial Lung disease - pulmonary toxicity can be suspected if there are long periods of SOB and coughing
- Thyroid(hyp/hyper) - (iod)- meaning iodine which effects the function of the thyroid gland
-Corneal- micro deposits - reversed with the withdrawal of the treatment, dazzled by headlights at night
- Heaptic - discontinue if there are signs of liver disease (nausea,vomitting,jaundice,abdominal pain, malaise and raised liver enzymes)
When do we stop it?
So other than the hepatic failure, optic neuropathy is also super dangerous and could cause blindness. STOP if vision is impaired
Also peripheral neuropathy - if there is tingling and numbness in hands and feet
What should people wear?
SPF! Factor 30 (their skin is slate and very sensitive to sunlight
Contraindications of amiodarone
-iodine sensitivity
- thyroid dysfunction
Monitoring advice
Thyroid function test (before treatment and every 6 months)
Liver function test (before treatment,every 6 months, monitor liver transaminase closely)
Chest X-Ray
Annual eye test
ECG and BP with IV use
Patient and carers advice
Shield skin from sunlight during and several months after treatment
Use wide spectrum sunscreen - spf 30
Seek medical attention if SOB or light headedness, palpitations,fainting,unusual tiredness or chest pains
- severe chest pain could be a result of hypokalaemia
Amiodarone interactions key thing to remember -
Long half life = interactions occur weeks/months after stopping
Interactions
- Drugs that increase plasma concentration = Warfarin,digoxin,ciclosporin,phenytoin
-lithium - increased risk of arrhythmias - statins - increase risk of myopathy
-Qt prolongation(ABC DDE) Caution with antidepressants, antipsychotics,lithium,macrolides and quinolones
