Amiodarone

Amiodarone is a potent antiarrhythmic medication used to treat and prevent various types of serious irregular heartbeats, including ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation.

Indications

-Ventricular tachycardia -Ventricular fibrillation -Atrial fibrillation -Supraventricular tachycardia

Dosage

-Initial dosing: 200 to 1600 mg per day, divided into multiple doses. -Maintenance dosing: Typically 100 to 400 mg per day, depending on the condition being treated and patient response. -Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on patient tolerance and clinical response.

Contra-Indications

-Severe bradycardia -Heart block (unless a pacemaker is present) -Known hypersensitivity to amiodarone or any of its components -Severe liver dysfunction -Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Special Precautions

Pregnancy, lactation, cardiac failure, monitor thyroid & hepatic functions, hypothyroidism, renal disorders, eye disease. Paediatrics: Not recommended. Pregnancy:May affect the infant hence contraindicated. Lactation: May pass in breast milk. Hence not to be used. Elderly: Reduced dose may be necessary.

Side Effects

-Common: Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, tremors. -Serious: Pulmonary toxicity, liver dysfunction, thyroid dysfunction, skin discoloration (blue-gray), visual disturbances, hypotension. -Rare: Severe allergic reactions, worsening of arrhythmias, corneal deposits.

Drug Interactions

-May interact with other antiarrhythmic agents (e.g., digoxin, beta-blockers). -Potentially interacts with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), increasing the risk of bleeding. -May increase levels of certain drugs (e.g., statins, cyclosporine) due to its effects on liver metabolism. -Use with caution in combination with other drugs that affect heart rate or rhythm.