Amiodarone

Dilution guide

Indication

VT/VF, AF rate or rhythm control.

Preparation

Loading: 300 mg in 20 mL D5W IV bolus (cardiac arrest) or 150 mg in 100 mL D5W over 10 min.

Dilution

Maintenance: 900 mg in 500 mL D5W (1.8 mg/mL). Central line for >24 h.

Rate

1 mg/min × 6 h, then 0.5 mg/min × 18 h.

Monitoring

  • ECG (QT)
  • BP
  • LFTs
  • TFTs (long term)

Common errors

  • Glass bottle / non-PVC for prolonged use
  • Phlebitis if peripheral

Pearls

  • Use D5W not saline
  • Hold for QTc > 500 ms
WardRound

WardRound

Clinical Decisions in Seconds