Amiodarone (Cordarone) Clinical 80/20 Summary

1. Mechanism & Physiological Effects (The 20% Science)

• Multiclass Action: Class III antiarrhythmic (potassium blocker delaying phase 2/3 repolarization and prolonging refractory period). Also exhibits Class I (sodium blockade slowing phase 0), Class II (noncompetitive alpha/beta-blockade), and Class IV (calcium blockade) properties.
• Hemodynamics: Relaxes smooth/cardiac muscle, decreasing peripheral/coronary vascular resistance and afterload, reducing myocardial oxygen demand (MVO2).

2. Clinical Uses & Key Dosing

• Ventricular Arrhythmias (ACLS): For pulseless VF/VT: 300 mg IV/IO push, then 150 mg if refractory.
• Stable VT / Wide-Comp ...