title: Rapid control of refractory atrial tachyarrhythmias with high-dose oral amiodarone.
abstract: To shorten the delay in the onset of antiarrhythmic effect when using amiodarone for the conversion of refractory atrial tachyarrhythmias to sinus rhythm, 19 patients were given oral amiodarone according to a high-dose loading protocol. In 18 of 19 patients (95%), sinus rhythm was restored 36 hours (range, 0 to 96 hours) after starting amiodarone. The conversion occurred as a result of amiodarone therapy alone within 48 hours in 12 patients (63%), and by amiodarone therapy plus electrical cardioversion at 48 to 96 hours in six patients (32%). Minor side effects were noted in eight patients (42%). No major side effects were encountered. The length of hospital stay after initiating amiodarone therapy was 3.6 days (range, 2 to 5 days). High-dose oral amiodarone loading is a safe and effective method for the rapid conversion of atrial tachyarrhythmias to sinus rhythm.
authors: Pharmacology Research Laboratory, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44109.
authors: N D
authors: ND
authors: Mostow
authors: T R
authors: TR
authors: Vrobel
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Noon
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Rakita
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D001282:Atrial Flutter / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006325:Heart Atria; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013607:Tablets; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D013607:Tablets; C036116:desethylamiodarone; D000638:Amiodarone