Amiodarone

emergency medications

1. AMIODARONE

2. AMIODARONE Used for the prevention and treatment of serious atrial and ventricular arrhythmias

3. AMIODARONE Mechanism of action Increases the refractory period in all cardiac tissues Decreases automaticity of fibres in the Purkinje system Prolongs AV conduction Can block potassium, sodium and calcium channels and β receptors

4. AMIODARONE Drug interaction Amiodarone increases the plasma concentration of digoxin Amiodarone increases the plasma concentration of flecainide by inhibiting its metabolism Amiodarone can result in increased plasma concentration of Phenytoin Amiodarone increase anticoagulant effect by inhibiting metabolism of Warfarin.

5. AMIODARONE Adverse reaction Dizziness Bitter taste Headache Flushing Nausea and Vomiting Constipation Ataxia Weight loss Tremor Parasthesiae of fingers and toes Photosensitivity Blue-grey skin discolouration Pulmonary fibrosis and pneumonitis Cough, fever Allergic reaction Blurred vision

6. AMIODARONE Use with caution in patients with heart failure and liver or thyroid function impairment Avoid in patients with second or third degree AV block and bradycardia