Amiodarone

Definition

Amiodarone is a Class III antiarrhythmic medication primarily used to treat and prevent various types of serious irregular heartbeats, such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. It works by blocking potassium channels, which helps to stabilize the heart rhythm.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Amiodarone has a very long half-life, often exceeding 50 days, which can lead to prolonged effects even after discontinuation.
2. Common side effects include pulmonary toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and liver enzyme elevation.
3. It is metabolized in the liver and can interact with many other medications, necessitating careful monitoring of drug levels.
4. Amiodarone is often used in emergency settings for cardiac arrest if defibrillation and epinephrine fail to restore a normal rhythm.
5. Due to its potential for serious side effects, amiodarone is typically reserved for use when other antiarrhythmic agents are ineffective or contraindicated.

Review Questions

• What class of antiarrhythmic drugs does amiodarone belong to?
• List three common side effects associated with amiodarone therapy.
• Why must patients on amiodarone be monitored closely for drug interactions?

Related terms

Ventricular Tachycardia:

A type of fast heart rate that arises from improper electrical activity in the ventricles of the heart.

Pulmonary Toxicity:

A potentially severe adverse effect of certain medications involving inflammation and scarring of lung tissue.

Potassium Channel Blockers:

A class of drugs that work by inhibiting potassium channels, thereby prolonging cardiac repolarization.