Select FALSE statement regarding amiodarone (Cordarone).

Select FALSE statement regarding amiodarone (Cordarone).

• A. It is indicated for ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation refractory to electrical defibrillation
• B. Adverse effects include pulmonary fibrosis and thyroid dysfunction
• C. It has an elimination half-time of 29 days
• D. It is useful in treatment of torsades de pointes

Answer: (D)

Amiodarone is a potent antiarrhythmic with multi-channel effects and a very long half-life. It’s used for ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation that are refractory to electrical defibrillation, and it also has a role in other rhythm disorders. Its adverse effects reflect its iodine content and tissue accumulation, with pulmonary toxicity such as fibrosis and thyroid dysfunction being classic examples. The elimination half-time is very long, typically measured in weeks, which explains why loading and gradual dosing are common. The statement about torsades de pointes is not correct in routine practice. Torsades de pointes, a polymorphic VT associated with prolonged QT, is primarily treated with magnesium sulfate and correction of electrolyte abnormalities; amiodarone is not the first-line or standard treatment for TdP. While amiodarone can be used for other tachyarrhythmias, it is not relied upon to terminate torsades in most guidelines. Therefore, this statement is the false one.

Amiodarone is a potent antiarrhythmic with multi-channel effects and a very long half-life. It’s used for ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation that are refractory to electrical defibrillation, and it also has a role in other rhythm disorders. Its adverse effects reflect its iodine content and tissue accumulation, with pulmonary toxicity such as fibrosis and thyroid dysfunction being classic examples. The elimination half-time is very long, typically measured in weeks, which explains why loading and gradual dosing are common.

The statement about torsades de pointes is not correct in routine practice. Torsades de pointes, a polymorphic VT associated with prolonged QT, is primarily treated with magnesium sulfate and correction of electrolyte abnormalities; amiodarone is not the first-line or standard treatment for TdP. While amiodarone can be used for other tachyarrhythmias, it is not relied upon to terminate torsades in most guidelines. Therefore, this statement is the false one.