amiodarone

A class III antiarrhythmic that slows the heart's electrical recovery between beats. It is used for ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (including during cardiac arrest) and to control atrial fibrillationatrial fibrillationAY-tree-ul fib-rih-LAY-shunAn irregular heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating in an organized way.atri/o atrium (upper heart chamber)fibrill/o small fibers, quivering-ation processFull entry Close. It stays in the body for weeks to months. Long-term use can harm the lungs, liver, thyroid and eyes and cause sun sensitivity and a blue-gray skin color, and the oral form has a boxed warning. IV amiodarone is on ISMP's high-alert list (IV antiarrhythmics); the tablets are not. It raises the levels of warfarin and digoxin. Its name can be confused with amantadineamantadineuh-MAN-tuh-deenA drug used for Parkinson disease and its movement side effects, first made as an antiviral for influenza.Full entry Close.

During IV use, keep the client on a cardiac monitor and check blood pressure and heart rate often; low blood pressure and slow heart rate are common. For long-term use, expect baseline and follow-up lung, liver and thyroid tests and eye exams. Teach the client to report a new cough or shortness of breath, and to use sun protection.