Cordarone
Cordarone is a Class III antiarrhythmic medication used to correct abnormal heart rhythms and maintain a regular, steady heartbeat. It works by relaxing overactive heart muscles and blocking certain electrical signals in the heart. Due to its potential for severe side effects, including pulmonary toxicity and thyroid dysfunction, it is typically reserved for patients with life-threatening arrhythmias under close medical supervision.
Dosage by Body Weight
Oral dosage must be individualized. Typically initiated in a hospital setting with a loading dose of 800 to 1600 mg/day in divided doses for 1 to 3 weeks, followed by gradual reduction to 600 to 800 mg/day for another month, and then a maintenance dose of 200 to 400 mg/day. It should be taken consistently either always with food or always without food to ensure stable absorption.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Specialist determination only
- Frequency
- As directed by pediatric cardiologist
- Tracking Notes
- Pediatric dosing is highly experimental. Not recommended for routine use. Extremely high risk of adverse events.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Specialist determination only
- Frequency
- As directed by pediatric cardiologist
- Tracking Notes
- Requires calculated pediatric dosing, typically based on body surface area (BSA) starting around 10 to 15 mg/kg/day for loading.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Specialist determination only
- Frequency
- As directed by pediatric cardiologist
- Tracking Notes
- Requires strict ECG and blood level monitoring. Pediatric safety is not fully established.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Specialist determination only
- Frequency
- As directed by pediatric cardiologist
- Tracking Notes
- Typically requires compounding of tablets into liquid suspensions. Must monitor thyroid and liver function closely.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Specialist determination only
- Frequency
- As directed by pediatric cardiologist
- Tracking Notes
- Pediatric maintenance doses are generally reduced to 5 mg/kg/day after successful loading, but must be managed by a specialist.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Specialist determination only | As directed by pediatric cardiologist | Pediatric dosing is highly experimental. Not recommended for routine use. Extremely high risk of adverse events. |
| 5-7 kg | Specialist determination only | As directed by pediatric cardiologist | Requires calculated pediatric dosing, typically based on body surface area (BSA) starting around 10 to 15 mg/kg/day for loading. |
| 8-10 kg | Specialist determination only | As directed by pediatric cardiologist | Requires strict ECG and blood level monitoring. Pediatric safety is not fully established. |
| 11-15 kg | Specialist determination only | As directed by pediatric cardiologist | Typically requires compounding of tablets into liquid suspensions. Must monitor thyroid and liver function closely. |
| 16-20 kg | Specialist determination only | As directed by pediatric cardiologist | Pediatric maintenance doses are generally reduced to 5 mg/kg/day after successful loading, but must be managed by a specialist. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, including recurrent ventricular fibrillation and recurrent hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia, when other treatments have failed or are not tolerated.
Generic Name
Amiodarone HydrochlorideScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.