Introduction

Name

• Amiodarone.

Class of drug

• Class 3 antiarrhythmic agent.

Description

Chemical name

• (2-{4-[(2-butyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)carbonyl]-2,6-diiodophenoxy}ethyl)diethylamine.

Molecular formula

• C₂₅H₂₉I₂NO₃.

Molecular weight

• 645.3 g/mol.

Physical properties

• White-cream crystalline powder.

Storage requirements

• Room temperature.

Uses

Indications

• Atrial fibrillation.
• Refractory ventricular tachycardia.

Administration

Pharmacokinetics

Precautions

Interactions

With other drugs

• Increases serum concentrations of digoxin and diltiazem.
• Enhanced efficacy may be seen if combined with mexiletine.
• May interact with quinidine and procainamide.

With diagnostic tests

• Thyroid function tests: amiodarone is an iodine-containing compound and alters thyroid function.

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Premont A, Balthes S, Marr C M & Jeevaratnam K (2022) Fundamentals of arrhythmogenic mechanisms and treatment strategies for equine atrial fibrillation. Equine Vet J 54 (2), 262-282 PubMed.
• Saljic A, Jespersen T & Buhl R (2022) Anti-arrhythmic investigations in large animal models of atrial fibrillation. Br J Pharmacol 179 (5), 838-858 PubMed.
• Decloedt A, Van Steenkiste G, Vera L, Buhl R & van Loon G (2021) Atrial fibrillation in horses Part 2: Diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Vet J 268, 105594 PubMed.
• Decloedt A, Van Steenkiste G, Vera L, Buhl R & van Loon G (2020) Atrial fibrillation in horses part 1: pathophysiology. Vet J 263, 105521 PubMed.
• Redpath A & Bowen M (2019) Cardiac therapeutics in horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 35 (1), 217-241 PubMed.
• Sleeper M M (2017) Equine cardiovascular therapeutics. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 33 (1), 163-179 PubMed.
• Whelchel D D, Tennent-Brown B S, Coleman A E et al (2017) Treatment of supraventricular tachycardia in a horse. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 27 (3), 362-368 PubMed.
• McGurrin M K J (2015) The diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation in the horse. Vet Med (Auckl) 26 (6), 83-90 PubMed.
• De Clercq D, van Loon G, Baert K et al (2007) Effects of an adapted intravenous amiodarone treatment protocol in horses with atrial fibrillation. Equine Vet J 39 (4), 344-349 PubMed.
• De Clercq D, van Loon G, Baert K V & Tavernier Rene (2006) Intravenous amiodarone treatment in horses with chronic atrial fibrillation. Vet J 172 (1), 129-134 PubMed.

Organisation(s)

• National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) Compendium of Data Sheets for Animal Medicines. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk.