Amiodarone: Key Points and Mnemonics

Overview

• Amiodarone: Class III antiarrhythmic drug
• Primary Use: Treats ventricular arrhythmias
• Mnemonic: Ammo (sounds like Amiodarone)

Mechanism of Action

• Function: Blocks potassium channels in the heart
• Effect: Prolongs cardiac muscle cell reset time, slows heart rate, disrupts arrhythmias

Specific Arrhythmias Treated

• Ventricular Arrhythmias: Ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib) and Ventricular tachycardia (V-Tach)
• Mnemonic: V-shaped antenna for V-Fib and V-Tach
• ACLS Protocol: Key component
• Off-label Use: Sometimes used for atrial fibrillation in patients with a history of ventricular arrhythmias (not FDA approved for this)

Side Effects

Pulmonary Toxicity

• Mnemonic: Toxic fumes causing a cough
• Symptoms: Coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, crackles in lungs
• Severity: Can be fatal if untreated

QT Prolongation

• Mnemonic: Long Q-Tips for long QT interval
• EKG Manifestation: Prolonged QT interval from beginning of QRS complex to end of T wave
• Danger: Can lead to torsades de pointes (dangerous arrhythmia)
• Monitoring: Requires cardiac monitoring

Hypothyroidism

• Mnemonic: Ruined tie (sounds like thyroid)
• Cause: High iodine content (AMIODarone)
• Effect: Decreased thyroid hormone production
• Long-term Use: Test thyroid function

Additional Notes

• Other Side Effects: Potential for liver injury (hepatotoxicity)
• Mnemonics for Testing: PFTs (Pulmonary Function Tests), TFTs (Thyroid Function Tests), LFTs (Liver Function Tests)
• Key Exam Points: Focus on pulmonary toxicity, QT prolongation, hypothyroidism

Recap

• Drug Class: Class III antiarrhythmic
• Primary Use: Ventricular arrhythmias (V-Fib, V-Tach)
• Common Side Effects: Pulmonary toxicity, QT prolongation, hypothyroidism
• Usage Context: ACLS protocol, possible off-label for atrial fibrillation

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