Amiodarone

Amiodarone is a class III anti-arrhythmic drug used to treat serious ventricular and atrial arrhythmias by prolonging cardiac repolarization.

Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic agent with a complex structure containing two iodine atoms attached to a benzofuran ring fused to a diethylamino side chain.
Chemical Formula: C₂₉H₄₈I₂N₂O₂

Class III Antiarrhythmic: Prolongs repolarization by blocking potassium channels, thereby extending the action potential and refractory period.
Multifaceted Mechanism: Exhibits class I (sodium channel blockade), class II (beta-blockade), and class IV (calcium channel blockade) properties.
Alpha-Adrenergic Blockade: Exhibits some alpha-adrenergic antagonistic effects, contributing to vasodilation.
Thyroid Modulation: Contains iodine, affecting thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism.

Ventricular Arrhythmias: Treats ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, especially in life-threatening arrhythmias.
Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter: Maintains sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Post-Myocardial Infarction: Prevents ventricular arrhythmias after myocardial infarction.
Supraventricular Arrhythmias: Manages certain supraventricular tachycardias.
Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy: Helps in reversing cardiomyopathy caused by persistent tachycardia.

Thyroid Dysfunction: Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism due to iodine content.
Pulmonary Toxicity: Can cause interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosis.
Hepatotoxicity: Elevated liver enzymes and potential liver damage.
Ocular Effects: Corneal microdeposits and optic neuropathy.
Skin Reactions: Photosensitivity and blue-gray skin discoloration.
Neurological Effects: Tremors, ataxia, and peripheral neuropathy.