Understanding Amiodarone

Recently, I was part of a short discussion between fellow healthcare providers of different levels of care, about Amiodarone and its expected effects on the heart during Ventricular Tachycardia (VT). I figured, I could break it down and write a short summary of how it works.  Most healthcare providers are familiar, or at least have heard of AMIODARONE. We also know that it is one of the leading antiarrhythmics used for treating ventricular dysrhythmias. But the reality is that, it can be used for more than just ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Amiodarone is a Class III antiarrhythmic of the Vaughan-Williams Classification system. Class III antiarrhythmics, are Potassium Channel Blockers. This means they partially block Potassium efflux (intracellular to extracellular) by inhibiting Na-KAtpase channels, adenosine triphospatase mediated channels (utilizes ATP breakdown for opening) . However, Amiodarone has other familiar properties such as: Beta Adrenergic Receptor Blocking Slow Calcium Channel Blocking Fast Sodium Channel Blocking Pharmacodymanics: Potassium (K+), which is a positive ion, is responsible for cardiac repolarization (rest). As Sodium and Calcium channels become inactivated, Potassium channels open, allowing Potassium to exit the cell, causing the cell to return to its predominantly negative voltage state, leading to cardiac relaxation. This portion is seen on the surface ECG as a the end of the ST segment and the entire T wave.  The initial portion ...
Source: EMS 12-Lead - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: research