Drug Generic: Amiodarone Brand: Cordarone Pacerone

Classification/Dosage /Route Antiarrythmic / The recommended dosing schedule is an initial loading dose of 8001600 mg daily for 1 to 3 weeks, followed by 600-800 mg daily for 1 month, then 400 mg daily for maintenance / IV

Mechanism of Action Shows beta blockerlike and potassium channel blocker-like actions on the SA and AV nodes, increases the refractory period via sodium- and potassium-channel effects, and slows intra-cardiac conduction of the cardiac action potential, via sodiumchannel effects.

Indication Treat ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation. The drug prevents the recurrence of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and produces a modest reduction of sudden deaths in high-risk patients

Contraindications Pregnant, nursing mother, individuals with sinus nodal bradycardia, atrioventricul ar block, and second or third degree heart block who do not have an artificial pacemaker, should not be given to neonates, because the benzyl alcohol it contains may cause the fatal "gasping syndrome , not given with lidocaine.

Adverse Effect Common side effects include fatigue, eye deposits, tremor, unsteady gait, nausea, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, dizziness, and visual changes. Amiodarone is also associated with heart block, low blood pressure, pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs), heart failure, cardiac arrest, hypo or hyperthyroid ism, blue skin discoloration , liver failure, and

Nursing Responsibility Obtain hypersensitivity history. Monitor cardiac rhythm continuously. Give drug with meals to decrease GI problems. Encourage the patient to verbalize any discomfort since this drug may have several adverse reactions. On the beginning of the therapy, IV infusion should be monitored well since it may affect the kidneys normal functioning resulting to hepatocellular necrosis and acute renal failure.

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