Amiodarone

GENERIC NAME

Amiodarone

TRADE NAME

Cordarone

DESCRIPTION

An antiarrhythmic medication indicated for the treatment of documented, recurrent, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.

HOW SUPPLIED

150 mg/3 mL pre-filled syringe

INDICATIONS

• Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
• Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
• Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) with aberrancy
• Indicated only for patients with life-threatening arrhythmias

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Hypersensitivity or allergy to Amiodarone
• Iodine allergy
• Cardiogenic shock
• Pregnancy, except in life-threatening situations

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Amiodarone prolongs the duration of the action potential of all cardiac fibers, which helps reduce arrhythmias.

SIDE EFFECTS

• Heart blocks
• Cardiac arrest

AUTHORIZATION

EMT: Not Authorized

AEMT: Not Authorized

Paramedic: Standing Order

DOSAGE

• Cardiac Arrest (VT/VF):
  • Adult: 300 mg IV/IO push during the third set of 200 compressions. Repeat once with 150 mg IV/IO (maximum dose: 450 mg).
  • Pediatric: 5 mg/kg IV/IO push
• Tachycardia (Wide Complex with Pulse):
  • Adult: 150 mg drip over 10 minutes (mix 150 mg in 100 mL D5W; run wide open with 60 gtts tubing)
  • Pediatric: Not given