Amiodarone
Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic agent used to correct abnormal heart rhythms. It prolongs myocardial cell action potential duration and refractory period. Due to its potential for serious toxicities, including pulmonary toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and proarrhythmic effects, it is strictly reserved for patients with life-threatening arrhythmias.
Dosage by Body Weight
Initiated in a hospital setting. Adults typically start with a loading dose of 800 to 1600 mg daily in divided doses, tapered down to a maintenance dose of 200 to 400 mg daily. Pediatric doses are highly individualized and must be managed by a pediatric cardiologist.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Extremely high risk. Pediatric cardiology supervision and continuous ECG monitoring required.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Loading: 50-105 mg/day; Maintenance: 25-35 mg/day
- Frequency
- Divided into 1 to 2 doses daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dose calculated based on 10-15 mg/kg loading and approx 5 mg/kg maintenance. Must be prescribed and monitored by a specialist.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Loading: 80-150 mg/day; Maintenance: 40-50 mg/day
- Frequency
- Divided into 1 to 2 doses daily
- Tracking Notes
- Doses are highly individualized based on patient response and serum drug levels.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Loading: 110-225 mg/day; Maintenance: 55-75 mg/day
- Frequency
- Divided into 1 to 2 doses daily
- Tracking Notes
- Adjusted to the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects, especially thyroid and pulmonary toxicities.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Loading: 160-300 mg/day; Maintenance: 80-100 mg/day
- Frequency
- Divided into 1 to 2 doses daily
- Tracking Notes
- Regular monitoring of thyroid, liver, pulmonary, and ophthalmic function is mandatory during long-term therapy.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Extremely high risk. Pediatric cardiology supervision and continuous ECG monitoring required. |
| 5-7 kg | Loading: 50-105 mg/day; Maintenance: 25-35 mg/day | Divided into 1 to 2 doses daily | Dose calculated based on 10-15 mg/kg loading and approx 5 mg/kg maintenance. Must be prescribed and monitored by a specialist. |
| 8-10 kg | Loading: 80-150 mg/day; Maintenance: 40-50 mg/day | Divided into 1 to 2 doses daily | Doses are highly individualized based on patient response and serum drug levels. |
| 11-15 kg | Loading: 110-225 mg/day; Maintenance: 55-75 mg/day | Divided into 1 to 2 doses daily | Adjusted to the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects, especially thyroid and pulmonary toxicities. |
| 16-20 kg | Loading: 160-300 mg/day; Maintenance: 80-100 mg/day | Divided into 1 to 2 doses daily | Regular monitoring of thyroid, liver, pulmonary, and ophthalmic function is mandatory during long-term therapy. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to treat life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, such as recurrent ventricular fibrillation and recurrent hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia, when other treatments have failed.
Generic Name
Amiodarone HydrochlorideBranded Drug Names
Amiodarone is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.