Cordarone

Cordarone

Cordarone is a brand name for the drug Amiodarone, which is used primarily to treat and prevent various types of serious arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). It is classified as a class III antiarrhythmic agent according to the Vaughan Williams classification system.

Pharmacology

Amiodarone works by prolonging the phase 3 of the cardiac action potential, which is the repolarization phase. This action is achieved by blocking potassium channels, which results in a prolonged refractory period of the cardiac cells. Additionally, amiodarone has effects on sodium and calcium channels and also exhibits non-competitive alpha and beta-adrenergic blocking properties.

Indications

Cordarone is indicated for the treatment of:

• Ventricular tachycardia
• Ventricular fibrillation
• Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (off-label use)
• Supraventricular tachycardia

Dosage and Administration

Cordarone can be administered orally or intravenously. The dosing regimen often starts with a higher loading dose to achieve therapeutic levels quickly, followed by a maintenance dose. The specific dosage depends on the condition being treated and the patient's response to the medication.

Side Effects

Amiodarone is associated with several potential side effects, some of which can be serious. Common side effects include:

• Hypotension
• Bradycardia
• Pulmonary toxicity
• Thyroid dysfunction (both hypo- and hyperthyroidism)
• Liver toxicity
• Photosensitivity

Monitoring

Patients on Cordarone require regular monitoring due to its potential for serious side effects. Monitoring typically includes:

• Liver function tests
• Thyroid function tests
• Chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Contraindications

Cordarone is contraindicated in patients with:

• Severe sinus node dysfunction
• Second- or third-degree atrioventricular block (unless a pacemaker is present)
• Cardiogenic shock

Drug Interactions

Amiodarone can interact with several other medications, including:

• Warfarin
• Digoxin
• Statins
• Beta-blockers

History

Amiodarone was first developed in 1961 and has been used extensively in the management of arrhythmias. It was initially used as an anti-anginal agent before its antiarrhythmic properties were discovered.

References

• PubMed
• Drugs.com

External Links

• FDA
• European Medicines Agency