Amiodarone – Mechanism, Uses & Side Effects
Amiodarone treats severe arrhythmias by blocking potassium channels. Learn about its long half-life, benefits, and thyroid or lung risks.
Things worth knowing about "Amiodarone"
Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic drug used to treat cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and other life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
Amiodarone prolongs the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential by blocking potassium channels, thereby stabilizing heart rhythm. In addition, it exhibits properties of other antiarrhythmic classes, making its pharmacological profile broad and complex.
Amiodarone has a very long half-life (up to 100 days) and accumulates in adipose tissue, leading to delayed onset but prolonged therapeutic effects. Due to its high iodine content, it can affect thyroid function, potentially causing hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Common side effects include thyroid dysfunction, pulmonary fibrosis, elevated liver enzymes, photosensitivity, and corneal deposits. Therefore, regular monitoring of liver, lung, heart, and thyroid function is essential. Despite its side effects, amiodarone remains a mainstay therapy for severe, treatment-resistant arrhythmias.
Key Facts about Amiodarone
- Class III antiarrhythmic, blocks potassium channels
- Long half-life with accumulation in adipose tissue
- Main risks: thyroid dysfunction, pulmonary fibrosis, hepatotoxicity
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