Abstract
Amiodarone is a benzofuran derivative that has been effective for the treatment of both supraventricular and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. It has a large volume of distribution, moderate bioavailability and a long half-life. Its pharmacokinetics are not well understood and its tissue distribution is not typical of a 2-compartment model. Due to ocular, dermatologic, gastrointestinal, neurologic, cardiovascular, thyroid and pulmonary toxicity, amiodarone should be reserved for use in patients with refractory and/or life-threatening arrhythmias.
MeSH terms
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Action Potentials / drug effects
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Amiodarone / adverse effects
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Amiodarone / metabolism
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Amiodarone / pharmacology
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Amiodarone / therapeutic use*
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Animals
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Arrhythmias, Cardiac / chemically induced
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Arrhythmias, Cardiac / drug therapy*
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Atrial Fibrillation / drug therapy
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Benzofurans / therapeutic use*
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Biological Availability
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Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic / drug therapy
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Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Drug Eruptions / etiology
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Drug Interactions
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Eye Diseases / chemically induced
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Gastrointestinal Diseases / chemically induced
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Heart / drug effects
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Hemodynamics / drug effects
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Humans
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Hypothyroidism / chemically induced
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In Vitro Techniques
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Lung Diseases / chemically induced
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Membrane Potentials / drug effects
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Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced
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Tachycardia, Paroxysmal / drug therapy
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Teratogens
Substances
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Benzofurans
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Teratogens
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Amiodarone