Mechanism of Action Amiodarone is a primarily a class III antiarrhythmic. Like other antiarrhythmic drugs of this class, amiodarone works primarily by blocking potassium rectifier currents that are responsible for the repolarization of the heart during phase 3 of the cardiac action potential.

Thereof, what receptors does amiodarone work?

Amiodarone is a class III (Vaughan Williams' classification) antiarrhythmic drug. Part of its structure resembles that of thyroid hormone, and its ability to bind to nuclear thyroid hormone receptors may account for some of its antiarrhythmic action. The pharmacology of amiodarone is complex.

Also Know, what are the effects of amiodarone? The most common side effects that can occur with amiodarone oral tablet include:

  • nausea.
  • vomiting.
  • fatigue.
  • tremor.
  • lack of coordination.
  • constipation.
  • insomnia.
  • headache.

Hereof, where does amiodarone work?

Amiodarone belongs to the group of medicines known as antiarrhythmics. It works directly on the heart tissue and will slow the nerve impulses in the heart. This helps keep your heart rhythm normal.

Can amiodarone cause heart block?

CARDIOVASCULAR ADVERSE EFFECTS Amiodarone therapy is contraindicated in patients with second- or third-degree heart block who do not have a pacemaker. Intravenously administered amiodarone causes heart block or bradycardia in 4.9 percent of patients and hypotension in 16 percent.

What is the drug of choice for atrial fibrillation?

Drug choices for rate control include beta-blockers, verapamil and diltiazem, and digitalis as first-line agents, with consideration of other sympatholytics, amiodarone, or nonpharmacologic approaches in resistant cases.

Does amiodarone lower BP?

In addition to being an antiarrhythmic medication, amiodarone also causes blood vessels to dilate (enlarge). This effect can result in a drop in blood pressure. Because of this effect, it also may be of benefit in patients with congestive heart failure.

How long can you stay on amiodarone?

This medication must be taken regularly for one to three weeks before a response is seen and for several months before the full effect occurs. Due to the drug's long half-life, it will remain in your body for up to two months. How should it be used? Amiodarone comes in tablets.

How safe is amiodarone?

CONCLUSION: Amiodarone, as part of a strategy to achieve and maintain sinus rhythm, appears to be safe and effective in patients with persistent AF. However, some patients may not tolerate the adverse effects of this agent.

Is amiodarone a negative Inotrope?

In addition to the superior efficacy compared with most other antiarrhythmic drugs, amiodarone has very little negative inotropic activity and a low rate of ventricular proarrhythmia, making it advantageous for use in patients with heart failure [1].

When should you not take amiodarone?

You should not use amiodarone if you have: a serious heart condition called "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree), unless you have a pacemaker; a history of slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint; or. if your heart cannot pump blood properly.

What should be avoided when taking amiodarone?

You should avoid eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking amiodarone. Grapefruit juice slows down how quickly the body is able to break down the medication, which could cause amiodarone levels in the blood to rise dangerously high.

What happens if you mix amiodarone with normal saline?

Amiodarone is incompatible with saline and should be administered solely in 5% dextrose solution. Amiodarone diluted with 5% dextrose solution to a concentration of less than 0.6 mg/ml is unstable. Discard any unused solution immediately after initial use.

What drug can replace amiodarone?

Multaq® (dronedarone) is a new drug for atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter that is a potential replacement for amiodarone.

How does amiodarone affect the eyes?

Amiodarone use is associated with the development of ocular adverse effects including optic neuropathy (which occurs rarely) and corneal deposits (which occur in most patients). Optic neuropathy can present with decreased visual acuity, decreased colour vision, an afferent pupillary defect and/or visual field loss.

Does amiodarone cause weight gain?

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any symptoms of low or overactive thyroid, including cold or heat intolerance, unexplained weight loss/gain, thinning hair, unusual sweating, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, or lump/growth in the front of the neck (goiter).

Which is safer amiodarone or flecainide?

In terms of safety, flecainide is better tolerated than quinidine[46,50], and is associated with a lower rate of adverse events as compared to propafenone[51,52]. In terms of the incidence of this endpoint, flecainide and propafenone proved to be non-inferior to amiodarone[55].

Can amiodarone cause blood clots?

"Amiodarone is a common and effective drug used to normalize irregular heart rhythm caused by atrial fibrillation," Flaker said. "However, because clotting is a complication associated with the condition, an anticoagulant or blood thinner is frequently used to reduce that possibility.

Can you take amiodarone at night?

Amiodarone may be given once, twice or three times each day. Your doctor will tell you how often to give it. Once a day: this can be in the morning OR the evening. Twice a day: this should be once in the morning and once in the evening.

Does amiodarone slow the heart rate?

The hypothesis that the antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone slows down the heart rate by its inhibitory action on the intracellular conversion of thyroxine (T4) to 3,5,3' triiodothyronine (T3) was investigated. While amiodarone induced bradycardia, iopanoic acid did not change the heart rate.

Does amiodarone cause hair loss?

Amiodarone (Cordarone or Pacerone) is used in patients with heart rhythm problems known as arrhythmias, and has a rare—but reported—side effect of hair loss.

How do you prepare amiodarone infusion?

First Rapid:
  1. 150 mg over the FIRST 10 minutes (15 mg/min). Add 3 mL of Cordarone I.V. (150 mg) to 100 mL D5W (concentration = 1.5 mg/mL).
  2. 360 mg over the NEXT 6 hours (1 mg/min). Add 18 mL of Cordarone I.V. (900 mg) to 500 mL D5W (concentration = 1.8 mg/mL).
  3. 540 mg over the REMAINING 18 hours (0.5 mg/min).