Amiodarone: Cardiac Medication Mini Series, Part Three
In this episode, I’ll give you the inside scoop on amiodarone so you can truly grasp why it is *the* most prescribed antiarrhythmic medication. We’ll unpack its unique mechanism of action that makes it so effective, share a real-world case that shows amiodarone in action, as well as have a candid talk about its adverse effects. Join me to find out why after 40 years, this versatile antiarrhythmic still has a prime place in the hospital. The story of amiodarone is a fascinating one – and as nurses, we owe it to our patients to know it!
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Mechanism of Action
- Amiodarone is prodominantly a potassium channel blocker, prolonging the repolarization phase in cardiac and smooth muscle
- Amiodarone is also a mild calcium, sodium, and beta blocker
Indications
- Widely used in critical care, emergency medicine, and various clinical settings for cardioverting VTach, VFib and new onset AFib, AFlutter into NSR
- Emergent use during cardiac arrest (ACLS algorithm) for VTach and VFib
- PO Amiodarone is indicated for maintenance normal sinus rhythm in stable patients as well as rate control for patients with heart failure in AFib
Adverse Effects
- Pulmonary fibrosis (periodic CXR should be taken for long term use)
- Hepatic toxicity (liver enzymes should be checked for long term use)
- Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism)
- Hypotension
- Bradycardia
Fascinating Fact about Amiodarone
- Amiodarone is the most commonly prescribed antiarrhythmic medication in the US.
- Amdiodarone has been FDA approved for VTach and VFib in 1985. It is a rare decades-old drug that has stood the test of time and remains a frontline therapy.
- Amiodarone has an incredibly long half-life: 20-45 days for IV, 20-100 days for PO!
In this episode, I'll give you the inside scoop on amiodarone so you can truly grasp why it is *the* most prescribed antiarrhythmic medication. We'll unpack its unique mechanism of action that makes it so effective, share a real-world case that shows amiodarone in action, as well as have a candid talk about its adverse effects. Join me to find out why after 40 years, this versatile antiarrhythmic still has a prime place in the hospital. The story of amiodarone is a fascinating one - and as nurses, we owe it to our patients to know it!
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Up My Nursing Game is partnering with VCU Health Continuing Education to offer FREE continuing education credits for registered nurses. Click here to obtain nursing credit.
See the show notes at upmynursinggame.com.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:03:22 - Ventricular Tachycardia
00:05:00 - How Amiodarone Works
00:09:06 - Indications and Dosages
00:11:47 - Adverse Effects
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