• prolongs duration of action potential and effective refractory period
• when given short term IV probably includes noncompetitive beta adrenergic and calcium channel blocker activity

Onset - within minutes

Duration - variable

• initial tx and prophylaxis of frequently recurring V-fib and hemodynamically unstable V-tach in pts refractory to other therapy
• refractory PSVT in conjunction with electrical cardioversion

• pulmonary congestion
• cardiogenic shock
• hypotension
• sensitivity
• bradycardia

• hypotension
• headache
• dizziness
• bradycardia
• AV conduction abnormalities
• flushing
• abnormal salivation

• beta blocker and calcium channel blockers - may potentiate bradycardia and hypotension
• Ca channnel blockers - may increase risk of AV block and hypotension
• Warfarin - may increase anticoagulant effects
• Phenytoin, procainamide, quinidine, theophylines - may decrease metabolism and increase serum levels
• routine use in combo. w/ drugs that prolong Q-t interval not recommended
• y site incompatible with furosemide, heparin, sodium bicarb

Amiodarone - Dosage and Administration

Adult

Pulseless Arrest

300 mg IV push (diluted in 20-30 ml NS / D5W) consider repeating 150 mg IV push in 3-5 min (max cumulative dose 2.2 g IV / 24 hr)

wide complex tachycardia

rapid infusion - 150 mg IV over first 10 min (15 mg /min) repeated every 10 min as needed

slow infusion - 360 mg IV over 6 hr (1 mg / min)

maintenance infusion - 540 mg IV over 18 hr (0.5 mg / min)

Amiodarone - Dosage and Administration

Pediatric

pulseless arrest 

5 mg/kg rapid IV bolus

perfusing tachycardias

loading dose 5 mg/kg IV/IO over 20-60 min (max 15 mg/kg/day IV)

preg - D

continuous ECG monitoring req.

slow infusion or discontinue if bradycardia or AV block occurs

maintain at room temp., protect from excessive heat