Amiodarone (HCl)
Amiodarone (HCl) is a potassium channel blocking agent. Amiodarone (HCl) is iodinated benzofuran derivative. It has been widely used as an antiarrhythmic and antianginal drug. Amiodarone (HCl) is very effective against a wide variety of arrhythmias. It has prominent adverse effects and unusual pharmakokinetic properties that have limited its use. However Amiodarone (HCl) is being increasingly used, possibly because of the recognition that other drugs may be more dangerous.
Primary Characteristics
It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Benzofuran.
It belongs to Adenosine uptake inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Anti arrhythmic agents pharmacological group.
Molecular Weight: 681.8 · pKa: 5.6 · Solubility in Water: very slight · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 25 · Non-proprietary name: Amiodarone (HCl).
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Amiodarone (HCl) has an oral bioavailability is 25% (±25%), pre-systemic (first-pass) metabolism accounts for 26% (±13%).
Distribution: Amiodarone (HCl) has a volume of distribution is 62 l/kg. plasma protein binding is 96%.
Elimination: plasma half-life is 600 hr, renal excretion is < 1%.
Advertisement
Indications
Amiodarone (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Angina pectoris, Atrial fibrillation, Atrial flutter, Ectopic tachycardia, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Mild to moderate dementia in alzheimer's disease, Paroxysmal re-entry av tachycardia, Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, Paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia, Pituitary desensitisation, Tobacco amblyopia and leber's optic atrophy, Ventricular fibrillation, Ventricular fibrillation, pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Amiodarone (HCl) is also indicated for secondary conditions like Treatment of arrhythmias.
Contraindications
Amiodarone (HCl) is contraindicated in conditions like Thyroid disease, Sinus bradycardia.
Dosage
Amiodarone (HCl)'s dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 5 mg/kg | 5 mg/kg | — | IV Inf | Initially over 20-120 min with ECG monitoring. Max. 1.2 g in 24 hrs. |
| 200 mg | 200 mg | Every 24h | PO | Maintenance |
| 300 mg | 300 mg | Every 8h | PO | Load for 1-4 Weeks |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 3.75 mg/kg | 3.75 mg/kg | Every 24h | Oral | Maintenance for 5-7 Days/week |
| 12.5 mg/kg | 12.5 mg/kg | Every 24h | Oral | Load for 4-14 Days |
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| 173 mg/square metre | 173 mg/square metre | Every 24h | oral | maintenance, 5 to 7 days/week |
| 405 mg/square metre | 405 mg/square metre | Every 24h | oral | Load for 4 to 14 days |
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Amiodarone (HCl) in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Alopecia , Neuropathy , Thyroid disorders .
Amiodarone (HCl) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pulmonary Fibrosis , Pulmonary alveolitis. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Amiodarone (HCl) are ECG alterations, QT interval lengthening, Sinus bradycardia, P-R interval lengthening.
Amiodarone (HCl) is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include GI reactions, Skin reactions, Sleep disturbancesX, Visual disorders.
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.12.2 — Antiarrhythmic drugs
Manufacturers
Manufacturers of Amiodarone (HCl) in Pakistan: