Name: Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Class: Antidysrhythmic Agent (Class III)
Mechanism: Structurally related to thyroxine. 1° effect is prolongation of action potential and refractory period. Antiarrhythmic activity and antianginal activity.
Absorption: Oral.
Dist.:
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½: 25-110 days.
Toxicity/S.E.s: Common (>75% of pts). Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, GI intolerance, tremor, ataxia, dizziness, depression, nightmares, hallucinations, hyper/hypothyroidism, liver toxicity, photosensitivity, periph. neuropathy, muscle weakness, blue skin (I2), possibly irreversible hepatic dysfxn. DILQT synd., sinus bradycardia. Asympt. corneal deposits in all pts. Substantial in LDL. Phospholipidosis. Enhances effect of warfarin. conc. of digoxin, quinidine, procainamide, et. al.
Utility: Treat severe refractory supraventricular and ventricular tachyarrhythmia.
Special Features: Usefulness limited by toxicity. Full effects may take up to 6 weeks to manifest.