Amiodarone Hydrochloride

AMIODARONE HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer: Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC

Score: 145.0

Quick Summary

Amiodarone Hydrochloride is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat life-threatening irregular heartbeats, including ventricular fibrillation and hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia. It is available in tablet form and has a complex pharmacokinetic profile. Amiodarone Hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with cardiogenic shock, sick sinus syndrome, and known hypersensitivity to the drug or its components. It has several important safety warnings, including pulmonary, hepatic, and cardiac toxicity, and can cause adverse reactions such as visual impairment, thyroid abnormalities, and bradycardia. The recommended dosage is individualized based on the severity of the arrhythmia and response, with a typical loading dose of 800-1600 mg/day. Special population considerations include use during pregnancy, nursing mothers, pediatric patients, and geriatric patients.

Key Clinical Findings and Indications

Treatment of life-threatening ventricular fibrillation and hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia
Antiarrhythmic medication with complex pharmacokinetic profile

Important Safety Information

Warning

Pulmonary, hepatic, and cardiac toxicity

Contraindications

Cardiogenic shock
Sick sinus syndrome
Known hypersensitivity to the drug or its components

Adverse Reactions

Visual impairment
Thyroid abnormalities
Bradycardia
Pulmonary toxicity
Hepatic injury

Dosing Recommendations

General Guidance

Individualized based on response and severity of arrhythmia

Ventricular fibrillation or hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia

Adult Dose

Loading dose: 800-1600 mg/day for 1-3 weeks, followed by maintenance dose of 400 mg/day

Pediatric Dose

Special Population Considerations

Pregnancy

Increased risk of fetal adverse effects, including neonatal hypo- and hyperthyroidism, bradycardia, and neurodevelopmental abnormalities

Nursing Mothers

Amiodarone and its metabolite are excreted in breast milk, and use is not recommended

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness not established in pediatric patients

Geriatric Use

Dose selection should be cautious, starting at the low end of the dosing range, due to increased risk of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function

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