Amiodarone

Mechanism of Action: Antiarrhythmic agent, which inhibits adrenergic stimulation; affects sodium, potassium, and calcium channels; markedly prolongs action potential and repolarization; decreases AV conduction and sinus node function.

Therapeutic Class; antidysrhythmic (class III)

Used:

• Ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia refractory to defibrillation (for cardiopulmonary resuscitation)

Contraindications: pregnancy, breastfeeding, neonates, infants, severe sinus node dysfunction, hypersensitivity to amiodarone or iodine, alcohol, cardiogenic shock, 2nd to 3rd degree av block, bradycardia

Side effects: confusional, disorientation, hallucinations, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, headache, insomnia, corneal microdeposits, optic neuritis, optic neuropathy, adult respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary toxicity, congestive heart failure, worsening of arrhythmias, bradycardia, hypotension, anorexia, constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, high liver enzymes, epididymitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, photosensitivity, blue discoloration, hypothyroidism, ataxia, involuntary movement, paresthesia, peripheral neuropathy, poor coordination, tremor

Controlled: High-Alert