BSN 2-J / NCM 106 – Pharmacology (2023-2024)

BRAGA, SHANE ANN L.

Activity 4: Module 4

ANTIDYSRYTHMIC INDICATIONS SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

DRUGS
Epinephrine 1 Cardiac Arrest: Epinephrine is Proper Training and
milligram IV push commonly used during cardiopulmonary Certification: Only
resuscitation (CPR) for individuals in healthcare professionals with
cardiac arrest. It helps improve coronary the appropriate training,
and cerebral blood flow, increases heart certification, and experience
rate, and enhances the chances of should administer
restoring a heartbeat. Epinephrine IV push.

Severe Allergic Reaction Verify the Dose and

(Anaphylaxis): In severe allergic Concentration: Double-
reactions (anaphylaxis), epinephrine may check that you have the
be injected intravenously to quickly correct dose (1 milligram)
reverse the allergic response. and concentration of
Epinephrine before
Severe Bradycardia: Epinephrine can be administration. Dosage
used to treat severe bradycardia (very errors can have serious
slow heart rate) that is causing consequences.
hemodynamic instability (poor blood
circulation). Use a Large Bore IV Line:
Administer Epinephrine
Life-Threatening Arrhythmias: When through a large bore IV line
other medications or treatments have (e.g., 18 or 20 gauge) to
failed to treat life-threatening arrhythmias ensure rapid delivery and
(abnormal cardiac rhythms), epinephrine minimize the risk of
may be administered. extravasation (leakage of
medication into surrounding
tissue).

Administer Slowly:
Administer the Epinephrine
slowly over a period of 1-2
minutes. Rapid
administration can lead to
adverse effects such as
severe hypertension.

Monitor Vital Signs

Document the Procedure

Understand that Epinephrine

can cause side effects such
as increased heart rate
(tachycardia), increased
BSN 2-J / NCM 106 – Pharmacology (2023-2024)
BRAGA, SHANE ANN L.
Activity 4: Module 4
300 milligrams of Ventricular Fibrillation: Ventricular
amiodarone IV fibrillation (VF) is a potentially fatal
push arrhythmia characterized by fast,
irregular, and chaotic electrical activity in
the lower chambers of the heart
(ventricles). To help reestablish a normal
rhythm, IV amiodarone is frequently used
during cardiac arrest caused by VF.
Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia:
Another life-threatening arrhythmia is
pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT),
which is characterized by fast, persistent
electrical activity in the ventricles without
a discernable pulse. In an attempt to
convert VT into a more structured rhythm,
amiodarone may be administered.
Stable Ventricular Tachycardia: A quick
IV push of amiodarone may be utilized as
a therapeutic alternative to reestablish a
normal rhythm in some cases of stable
monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT)
that is not responding to other treatments.
blood pressure, arrhythmias,
anxiety, and headache.
Use a Saline Flush:
Following Epinephrine
administration, use a saline
flush to ensure that the full
dose is delivered and to
minimize the risk of drug
remaining in the IV line.
Avoid Extravasation:
Carefully monitor the IV site
for any signs of
extravasation, such as
swelling, redness, or pain. If
extravasation is suspected,
discontinue the IV line and
consider administering the
medication via a different
route.
Be Cautious with Repeated
Dosing
Proper Training: Only
healthcare professionals with
the appropriate training and
experience in advanced
cardiac life support (ACLS)
or arrhythmia management
should administer
amiodarone IV push.
Verification: Double-check
the dosage and
concentration of amiodarone
to ensure that you are
administering the correct
amount. Errors in dosage
can have serious
consequences.
Slow Administration:
Administer amiodarone
slowly over a recommended
period (usually 1 to 2
minutes) to minimize the risk
of adverse effects. Rapid
administration can lead to
BSN 2-J / NCM 106 – Pharmacology (2023-2024)
BRAGA, SHANE ANN L.
Activity 4: Module 4
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT):
Although amiodarone is more typically
used to treat ventricular arrhythmias, it
can also be used to treat refractory
supraventricular tachycardias that have
not responded to other drugs or
treatments.
hypotension or other
complications.
Continuous Monitoring
Electrolyte Levels: Check
the patient's electrolyte
levels, particularly potassium
and magnesium, before
administering amiodarone.
Correct any imbalances if
present.
ECG Monitoring
Drug Compatibility
Extravasation: Monitor the
IV site for any signs of
extravasation (leakage of
medication into surrounding
tissue). Amiodarone is irritant
to the veins, and
extravasation can lead to
tissue damage.
Pulmonary Function: Be
cautious when administering
amiodarone to patients with
a history of lung disease or
pulmonary issues, as the
medication can cause or
exacerbate pulmonary
toxicity.
Liver and Thyroid
Function: Consider the
patient's liver and thyroid
function, as amiodarone can
have effects on these
organs. Regular monitoring
may be necessary in patients
on long-term amiodarone
therapy.
Check Expiry Date
Educate Patient
BSN 2-J / NCM 106 – Pharmacology (2023-2024)
BRAGA, SHANE ANN L.
Activity 4: Module 4