Anticoagulation, endocrine and GI
Amiodarone (Nexterone) drip
Nexterone, Cordarone
Dosing
| Start | 150 mg over 10 minutes, then 1 mg/min for 6 hours |
|---|---|
| Titrate | Then 0.5 mg/min for 18 hours; repeat 150 mg boluses for recurrence |
| Maximum | About 2.2 g IV in 24 hours |
| Common bags | 360 mg in 200 mL (1.8 mg/mL); 900 mg in 500 mL (1.8 mg/mL) |
| Dose units | mg/min |
Line and administration
- Over 2 mg/mL needs a central line
- Use an in-line filter
Watch for
- Hypotension and bradycardia
- QT prolongation
- Phlebitis
Amiodarone: full drug monographIndications, mechanism, pharmacokinetics, cautions and every dose the app lists.
In the one-pagers
- Rhythm GallerySinus, atrial and junctional: AF with WPW (fast, irregular, wide): no AV-nodal blockers (adenosine, diltiazem, beta-blockers, digoxin, amiodarone). Unstable: cardiovert. Stable: procainamide or ibutilide.
- After Cardiac SurgeryPost-op AF and epicardial pacing: POAF: 30 to 50%, more after valve surgery; peaks around day 2. STS 2026 prevention: oral amiodarone (Class I), beta-blockers or posterior pericardiotomy (IIa). Unstable: cardioversion. Stable: rate or rhythm control, replace K and Mg; anticoagulate by stroke risk once bleeding settles.
- ACLS Algorithms in BriefCardiac arrest: two tracks: Exam order: shock, CPR, shock, epinephrine, shock, amiodarone or lidocaine. Epinephrine every 3–5 min is about every other 2-minute cycle.
- ACS and STEMIArrhythmias and conduction block after MI: VF or polymorphic VT: Most in the first 48 h: Defibrillate; amiodarone or lidocaine; reperfuse
- Hypothermia, Heat Stroke and DrowningHypothermic cardiac arrest: No epinephrine below 30 °C (AHA, ERC); ERC: one amiodarone 300 mg for VF, epinephrine every 6–10 min at 30–35 °C
- Implanted Cardiac Devices: Pacemakers, ICDs and Wearable DefibrillatorsICD shocks: Electrical storm: 3 or more VA episodes in 24 h, at least 5 min apart, each needing an intervention: Sedation, nonselective beta-blocker (propranolol) plus amiodarone, fix triggers (ischemia, K, Mg, HF); ablation if it persists
Practice Rhythm Gallery questions free86 exam-style questions with rationales on the topic where amiodarone comes up most. No account or download needed.
Other anticoagulation, endocrine and gi
- Heparin
- Insulin (regular)
- Diltiazem
- Octreotide
- Pantoprazole
- Furosemide
- Argatroban
- Bivalirudin
- Procainamide
- Lidocaine
- Magnesium sulfate
- Naloxone
- Eptifibatide
- Bumetanide
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For education and exam preparation only. Follow your institution’s protocols. Study aid: check every dose against the order, the bag label, your pump library and your institution's protocol.