Cardiology · Class III antiarrhythmic (mixed)
Amiodarone (oral)
Dose
Load 200 mg TDS × 1 week, BD × 1 week, then 100–200 mg OD.
Indications
- • Recurrent VT/VF
- • Symptomatic AF (rhythm control)
- • Post-cardiac-surgery AF
Contraindications
- • Sinus bradycardia/AV block (no pacemaker)
- • Thyroid disease (relative)
- • Interstitial lung disease
Use
Effective rhythm control; toxicity limits chronic use.
Monitoring
TFT + LFT 6-monthly, CXR yearly, eye/skin, K+/Mg, QT ECG.
Side effects
- • Pulmonary fibrosis
- • Hypo/hyperthyroidism
- • Hepatitis
- • Corneal deposits
- • Photosensitivity/blue-grey skin
- • QT prolongation
Related in WardRound
Cardiac Arrest
Protocol · ALS algorithm
AF with RVR
Protocol · Rate or rhythm control
Ventricular Tachycardia
Protocol · Pulseless = ALS, pulse = stable/unstable
Refractory VF / pVT
Protocol · ≥3 shocks without ROSC
Unstable Narrow-Complex Tachycardia
Protocol · Synchronised DC cardioversion
Unstable Wide-Complex Tachycardia
Protocol · Treat as VT — synchronised shock
Atrial Fibrillation
Topic · Cardiology
Tachycardia Approach
Topic · Cardiology
Ventricular Tachycardia
Topic · Cardiology
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
