Paramedic Drug Facts: Amiodarone

Amiodarone

TRADE NAME: Cordarone, Pacerone

CLASS: Antiarrhythmic
ACTIONS: Prolongs action potential and refractory period. Slows the sinus rate; Increases PR
and QT intervals. Decreases Peripheral vascular resistance.
INDICATIONS: Life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias such as ventriculartachycardia
and ventricular fibrillation.
PHARMACOKINETICS:
Onset: 2 minutes IV. Oral: 2-3 days
Peak Effect: 6 – 20 minutes
Duration: Varies
Half Life: Varies, 30 – 100 days post oral administration
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypersensitivity to Amiodarone, heart failure, severe sinus node dysfunction
(sinus bradycardia, 2nd Π3rd degree blocks), cardiogenic shock
SIDE EFFECTS:

  • CNS: dizziness
  • CV: Headache, bradycardia, hypotension, sinus arrest, prolonged PR, QRS, QT intervals, CHF,
    AV block, cardiogenic shock, palpations, chest pain
  • Resp: Dyspnea, pulmonary fibrosis
  • GI/GU: Nausea, vomiting

DOSAGE:
ADULT:

  • V-Fib / V-Tach without pulses: 300 mg IV (max is 2.2g IV/24 hrs)
  • Ventricular arrhythmias with a pulse: 150 mg over 10 minute. rpt every 10 min.
  • Maintenance Infusion: 540mg IV over 18 hours (0.5mg/min)

PEDIATRIC:

  • Pulseless arrest: 5mg/kg rapid IV bolus,
  • Perfusing tachycardia: 5mg/kg IV over 20-60 min.

ROUTE: IV