Doses - AMIODARONE HCL

Dogs:

For recurrent ventricular tachycardia not controlled with other less toxic drugs:
a) 10 - 25 mg/kg PO twice daily for 7 days, followed by 5 - 7.5 mg/kg PO twice daily for14 days, followed by 7.5 mg/kg PO once daily. (Calvert 1995)
Note: Some human references state that because of the potential for drug interactions withprevious drug therapies, the life-threatening nature of the arrhythmias being treated, andthe unpredictability of response from amiodarone, the drug should be initially given(loaded) over several days in an inpatient setting where adequate monitoring can occur.
Monitoring Parameters -

1) Efficacy (ECG)

2) Toxicity (GI effects; liver enzymes; thyroid function tests; blood pressure; pulmonaryradiographs if symptoms such as dyspnea/cough occur)
Client Information - Because of the "experimental" nature (relatively few canine patients havereceived this agent) and the toxicity dangers associated with its use, clients should give informedconsent before the drug is prescribed.
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status - Veterinary-Approved Products: None

Human-Approved Products:

Amiodarone Oral Tablets 200 mg; Amiodarone Concentrate for Injection for IV Infusion 50 mg/ml in 3 ml ampules;Cordarone® (Wyeth-Ayerst); (Rx)