Amiodarone
Amiodarone is a medication used in the treatment of various types of tachyarrhythmia, an abnormal fast rhythm of the heart. It is a class III antiarrhythmic agent and is used in situations where other medications are either not effective or are contraindicated.
Pharmacology[edit | edit source]
Amiodarone works by prolonging the duration of the action potential of cardiac tissue and by prolonging the refractory period of the heart's electrical conduction system. It achieves this by inhibiting potassium channels, which are responsible for repolarization of the heart following a heartbeat. This results in a slowing of the heart rate and a reduction in the occurrence of abnormal heart rhythms.
Medical uses[edit | edit source]
Amiodarone is primarily used to treat a variety of heart rhythm disorders such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. It is also used in the treatment of wide complex tachycardia, as well as atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. It is often used when other medications have failed to control the heart rhythm disorder.
Side effects[edit | edit source]
The use of Amiodarone can be associated with several side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and anorexia. More serious side effects can include pulmonary toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and liver toxicity. Due to these potential side effects, monitoring is required during treatment with Amiodarone.
History[edit | edit source]
Amiodarone was initially developed in 1961 in Belgium. It was initially used as a treatment for angina, but its antiarrhythmic properties were discovered by chance. It was approved for medical use in the United States in 1985.
See also[edit | edit source]
List of antiarrhythmic agents:
- Amiodarone
- Disopyramide
- Dofetilide
- Dronedarone
- Flecainide
- Ivabradine
- Mexiletine
- Procainamide
- Propafenone
- Quinidine
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
