Cordarone
Classification:
Antidysrhythmic
Indications:
• VT or VF
• Rapid atrial arrhythmias (Usually not as an initial agent)
Actions:
• Prolongs the recovery period of cardiac cells after they have carried an impulse
• Effects sodium, potassium, and calcium channels and and channels
Dosage:
• VF/VT-Cardiac arrest: 300mg IV, may repeat 150mg in 3 – 5min X 1
• Perfusing patients (VT some SVT’s): 150mg IV/IO over 10 minutes
• May repeat in 10 minutes IF NEEDED
• Use infusion (below) for continued stabilization of a converted rhythm
Infusion:
• 900mg/500mL (1.8mg/mL) / Infuse @ 1mg/min (33mL/hr) x 6hrs then 0.5mg/min (17mL/hr)
Max combined daily dose 2.2grams in any 24 hour period
Side effects:
• Hypotension, bradycardia (can be minimized by slowing drug infusion)
• Sinus bradycardia, atrioventricular block
• Congestive heart failure
• Ventricular proarrhythmias (especially if used in conjunction with Procainamide)
Contraindications:
• Marked sinus bradycardia due to severe sinus node dysfunction
• Second- or third-degree AV block
• Cardiogenic shock
• Note: Early Amiodarone was diluted by some manufacturers in a carrier solution that foams
when agitated. Draw up slowly and avoid shaking the drug vial.
• Note: Don’t give antidysrhythmic drugs to bradycardic patients. Premature beats still deliver blood.
Remember to stabilize rate, then rhythm, then blood pressure.