Cordarone IV (Amiodarone Intravenous) Drug Information: Overdosage and Contraindications

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May 26, 2012

Cordarone IV

Atrial Fibrillation »

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common, abnormal rhythm of the heart.

The heart contracts (beats) and pumps blood with a regular rhythm, for example, at a rate of 60 beats per minute there is a beat every second. The heart may beat faster or slower with a shorter or longer interval between beats, but at any one rate the interval between beats is constant. This regular rhythm occurs as a result of regular electrical discharges (currents) that travel through the heart and cause the muscle of the heart to contract. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical discharges are irregular and rapid and, as a result, the heart beats irregularly and, usually, rapidly.

Atrial fibrillation is common; half a million new cases are diagnosed yearly in the U.S., and billions of dollars are spent annually on its diagnosis and treatment.

What causes atrial fibrillation?

Normal function of the he...

Read the Atrial Fibrillation article »

Cordarone IV

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

OVERDOSE

There have been cases, some fatal, of amiodarone overdose. Effects of an inadvertent overdose of Cordarone I.V. include hypotension, cardiogenic shock, bradycardia, AV block, and hepatotoxicity. Hypotension and cardiogenic shock should be treated by slowing the infusion rate or with standard therapy: vasopressor drugs, positive inotropic agents, and volume expansion. Bradycardia and AV block may require temporary pacing. Hepatic enzyme concentrations should be monitored closely. Amiodarone is not dialyzable.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Cordarone I.V. is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the components of Cordarone I.V., including iodine, or in patients with cardiogenic shock, marked sinus bradycardia, and second- or third-degree AV block unless a functioning pacemaker is available.

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/22/2005
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.