Amiodarone

Amiodarone

Amiodarone (/æmiˈoʊdəroʊn/) is a class III antiarrhythmic agent used for various types of cardiac dysrhythmias, both ventricular and atrial. It was first introduced by Belgian pharmaceutical company Labaz in 1961.

Etymology

The name "Amiodarone" is derived from its structure: it is an amine derivative of iodobenzene, hence am-iodarone.

Usage

Amiodarone is primarily used to treat a variety of cardiac dysrhythmias. These include both ventricular and atrial dysrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and wide complex tachycardia, as well as atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.

Mechanism of Action

Amiodarone works by prolonging phase 3 of the cardiac action potential, the repolarization phase where there is normally decreased calcium permeability and increased potassium permeability. It does this by interacting with the potassium rectifier currents, particularly I(Kr), which affects the electrical activity of the heart.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Amiodarone include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and anorexia. More serious side effects can include pulmonary toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and hepatotoxicity.

Related Terms

• Antiarrhythmic agent
• Cardiac dysrhythmia
• Ventricular tachycardia
• Ventricular fibrillation
• Tachycardia
• Pulmonary toxicity
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Hepatotoxicity

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Amiodarone
• Wikipedia's article - Amiodarone

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