Antidysrhythmia

Question 1

Antidysrhythmic Drugs General Considerations

AEs
D-D
contra

Answer 1

• All have potential AEs:
  > bradycardia
  > heart blocks
  > arrhythmias
  > hypotension
  > greater risk w/ IV admin; tele & BP monitor
• Drug-Drug: antidysrhythmic drugs, antihypertensives
• Contra: bradycardia, hypotension, heart block

Question 2

Amiodarone - Class & MOA

Answer 2

• Class: Potassium Channel Blocker
• MOA: blocks potassium channels, delays repolarization, slows HR

Question 3

Amiodarone - Indications

Answer 3

• V-Tachycardia
• V-Fibrillation
• Atrial fibrillation or flutter

Question 4

Amiodarone - Dose

Answer 4

• Maintenance: oral
• Acute: IV push/infusion
  > tele floors, ICU, ACLS

Question 5

Amiodarone - Drug/Drug Interactions

Answer 5

• Incr Digoxin lvls (up to 50-70%)
• Dcr metabolism of Warfarin requiring lower doses (50% incr in INR)
• Dcr doses of either drug by 50%

Question 6

Amiodarone - AEs

Answer 6

• Corneal microdeposits
  > photophobia, visual halos, dry eyes
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Photosensitivity
• Thyroid dysfunction

Question 7

Amiodarone - Black Box

Answer 7

• Hepatotoxicity
• Pulmonary toxicity
• Pro arrhythmias (new/existing)

Question 8

Amiodarone - Nursing Considerations

Answer 8

• Teach: no grapefruit juice
• Use barrier sun block
• Tele monitoring (IV)

Question 9

Atrial Fibrillation Treatment

Answer 9

• Goal HR: <110bpm
• Antidysrhythmia + Anticoagulant
  > amiodarone, metoprolol, diltiazem
  > warfarin, rivaroxaban