In the acute setting, amiodarone can cause hypotension
due to vasodilation and depression of myocardial contractility
; this may be partly due to the solvent, polysorbate 80 or benzyl alcohol, used to assist in dissolving the drug [6–8].
Can amiodarone cause low blood pressure?
In addition to being an antiarrhythmic medication, amiodarone also causes blood vessels to dilate (enlarge). This
effect can result in a drop in blood pressure
. Because of this effect, it also may be of benefit in patients with congestive heart failure.
Does amiodarone cause hypotension?
Hypotension frequently occurs with use of intravenous amiodarone and is
managed by slowing the rate of administration
. This response has been attributed to the cosolvents in the formulation and is believed to be solely related to the initial loading dose.
Does amiodarone cause hypotension and bradycardia?
Intravenously administered amiodarone
causes heart block or bradycardia in 4.9 percent of patients and hypotension in 16 percent
. 2 If these conditions occur, infusion of the drug should be discontinued, or the rate of infusion should be reduced.
Can amiodarone cause orthostatic hypotension?
Autonomic
dysfunction presented as incapacitating orthostatic hypotension and persisted for six weeks after amiodarone withdrawal. The pleuropulmonary toxic effects were reversible on discontinuation of amiodarone therapy, and resolution was hastened by short-course steroid treatment.
Why is amiodarone so bad?
HEART: Amiodarone can
cause slow heart rhythm disorders
such as slowing of the sinus rate and AV block. You may feel fatigued, lethargic, have poor exercise tolerance, and may experience dizziness and fainting.
Is amiodarone hard on the kidneys?
Amiodarone is well known for a myriad of side effects, some severe and life-threatening, including pulmonary toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and thyrotoxicity. One of the organs which could be affected by Amiodarone is
Kidney
, which, fortunately, is not a common occurrence.
When should you not take amiodarone?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to amiodarone or iodine, or if you have: a
serious heart condition
called “AV block” (2nd or 3rd degree), unless you have a pacemaker; a history of slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint; or. if your heart cannot pump blood properly.
Is 100 mg of amiodarone safe?
Low-dose amiodarone (100-300 mg per day) is
effective
for a wide variety of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias, including as part of a rhythm control strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation, especially when structural heart disease is present.
Does amiodarone slow heart rate?
Amiodarone produced a lower heart rate than placebo at all exercise levels
(p<0.0001 for all). VO2 was similar in both groups whereas O2 pulse was higher in the amiodarone group at all exercise levels.
How long can a person take amiodarone?
Never stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
This medication must be taken regularly for one to three weeks before a response is seen and for several months before the full effect occurs. Due to the drug’s long half-life, it will remain in your body for
up to two months
.
Can amiodarone cause heart failure?
Amiodarone’s pharmacodynamics, with an exceedingly large distribution volume leading to accumulation in the myocardium, may also play a part. Bradyarrhythmias could ensue, leading
to sudden cardiac death in advanced heart failure
.
What is the drug of choice for atrial fibrillation?
When intravenous pharmacologic therapy is required, the drug of choice is
procainamide or amiodarone
. There are 3 goals in the management of AF: control of the ventricular rate, minimization of thromboembolism risk (particularly stroke), and restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm.
How do you fix orthostatic hypotension?
Orthostatic hypotension treatments include:
Lifestyle changes
. Your doctor may suggest several lifestyle changes, including drinking enough water; drinking little to no alcohol; avoiding overheating; elevating the head of your bed; avoiding crossing your legs when sitting; and standing up slowly.
Is there an alternative to amiodarone?
Dronedarone
has been viewed as a potential therapeutic alternative for amiodarone because of a lower risk for pulmonary, thyroid, and dermatologic adverse effects. Compared with amiodarone, dronedarone has poor bioavailability and a shorter terminal disposition half-life, which dictates a twice-daily dosing regimen.
Can amiodarone be stopped suddenly?
Do not stop taking amiodarone without talking to your doctor
. You may need to be closely monitored or even hospitalized when you stop taking amiodarone. Amiodarone may remain in your body for some time after you stop taking it, so your doctor will watch you carefully during this time.
