Amiron Contraindications

Amiodarone is contraindicated in patients with sinus bradycardia and sinoatrial heart block. Amiodarone should be used only in conjunction with a pacemaker when treating patients with severe conduction disturbances (e.g. high grade AV block, bifascicular or trifascicular block). Amiodarone is contraindicated in patients with evidence or history of thyroid dysfunction. Since Amiodarone contains iodine, it should be avoided in patients with severe respiratory failure. Amiodarone may induce erratic results from thyroid function tests. Too high of a dosage may lead to severe bradycardia and to conduction disturbances with the appearance of idioventricular rhythm, particularly in elderly patients or during digitalis therapy. In these circumstances therapy should be withdraw. If necessary, beta adrenal stimulants or glucagon may be given. Amiodarone is not contraindicated in patients with latent or manifest heart failure, but caution should be exercised as existing heart failure may be worsened by Amiodarone. Amiodarone is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.