AMIODARONE

Question 1

Drug class

Answer 1

anti-dysrhythmics

Question 2

How does it work? (2)

Answer 2

1. blocks sodium, calcium and potassium channels in myocardial cells
2. antagonises alpha and beta cells in the heart

Question 3

What effect does amiodarone have on the body? (4)

Answer 3

1. reduces spontaneous depolarisation
2. slows downs conduction
3. increases resistance to depolarisation - AV node
4. consequently reducing ventricular rate

Question 4

How does amiodarone work in SVT? (2)

Answer 4

• breaks a self-pertuating circuit that includes the AV node

- this restores sinus rhythm

Question 5

Indications

Answer 5

tachyarrythmias

Question 6

Contra-indications (3)

Answer 6

1. bp
   - severe hypotension
2. heart
   - heart block
3. thyroid
   - active thyroid disease

Question 7

Side effects (6)

Answer 7

1. bp

– hypotension during IV infusion

2. lungs
   - pneumonitis
3. heart

• bradycardia
• AV block

4. liver
   - hepatits
5. skin

• photosensitivity
• grey colour

6. thyroid abnormalities

• due iodine content
• amIODarone -iodine is in the name

Question 8

Interactions (3) and what does it cause? (4)

Answer 8

1. digoxin
2. verapamil
3. diltiazem

-increases plasma concentration

causes

• bradycardia
• AV block
• heart block

Question 9

Elimination (2)

Answer 9

1. hepatic metabolism

2. bilary