Anticoagulation, endocrine and GI
Amiodarone (Nexterone) drip
Nexterone, Cordarone
Dosing
| Start | 150 mg over 10 minutes, then 1 mg/min for 6 hours |
|---|---|
| Titrate | Then 0.5 mg/min for 18 hours; repeat 150 mg boluses for recurrence |
| Maximum | About 2.2 g IV in 24 hours |
| Common bags | 360 mg in 200 mL (1.8 mg/mL); 900 mg in 500 mL (1.8 mg/mL) |
| Dose units | mg/min |
Line and administration
- Over 2 mg/mL needs a central line
- Use an in-line filter
Watch for
- Hypotension and bradycardia
- QT prolongation
- Phlebitis
Amiodarone: full drug monographIndications, mechanism, pharmacokinetics, cautions and every dose the app lists.
In the one-pagers
- Rhythm GallerySinus, atrial and junctional: AF with WPW (fast, irregular, wide): no AV-nodal blockers (adenosine, diltiazem, beta-blockers, digoxin, amiodarone). Unstable: cardiovert. Stable: procainamide or ibutilide.
- ACLS Algorithms in BriefCardiac arrest: two tracks: Exam order: shock, CPR, shock, epinephrine, shock, amiodarone or lidocaine. Epinephrine every 3–5 min is about every other 2-minute cycle.
- ACS and STEMIArrhythmias and conduction block after MI: VF or polymorphic VT: Most in the first 48 h: Defibrillate; amiodarone or lidocaine; reperfuse
- Common EMS MedicationsArrest and rhythm drugs: Amiodarone, class III: Shock-refractory VF/pVT; stable VT: Arrest 300 mg, then 150 mg; VT 150 mg over 10 min: If pulse: 2nd/3rd-degree block, cardiogenic shock
- Hypothermia, Heat Stroke and DrowningHypothermic cardiac arrest: No epinephrine below 30 °C (AHA, ERC); ERC: one amiodarone 300 mg for VF, epinephrine every 6–10 min at 30–35 °C
- LVAD BasicsArrhythmias, arrest and transport: Ventricular arrhythmias occur in a third to a half of patients in the first year. Because the LV is drained mechanically, sustained VT or even VF can be tolerated for a time; what fails is the RV, so preload, flow and PI fall and suction follows over minutes to hours. Replace potassium and magnesium, give volume if the LV is small, start amiodarone or lidocaine,
Practice Rhythm Gallery questions free17 exam-style questions with rationales on the topic where amiodarone comes up most. No account or download needed.
Other anticoagulation, endocrine and gi
- Heparin
- Insulin (regular)
- Diltiazem
- Octreotide
- Pantoprazole
- Furosemide
- Argatroban
- Bivalirudin
- Procainamide
- Lidocaine
- Magnesium sulfate
- Naloxone
- Eptifibatide
- Bumetanide
Practice free in your browser2,450+ exam-style questions with rationales. No account, no ads. Also free on the App Store and Google Play.
For education and exam preparation only. Follow your institution’s protocols. Study aid: check every dose against your local protocols and medical direction, the bag label and your pump.