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Amiodarone electrophysiology — FRCA Primary MCQ

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HardPharmacologyAmiodarone electrophysiologyFRCA Primary

A patient with recurrent broad-complex tachycardia receives amiodarone after correction of hypoxia and electrolytes. Which of the following is correct regarding amiodarone?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: AIt prolongs cardiac repolarisation

Amiodarone has class III antiarrhythmic activity and prolongs repolarisation. It inhibits plasminogen activation is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. It directly inhibits activated factor X is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. It antagonises NMDA receptors is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. It activates central alpha-2 receptors is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. In Primary FRCA pharmacology, link the clinical effect to the receptor, distribution or elimination mechanism rather than memorising isolated facts.

Reference: Peck, Hill & Williams Pharmacology for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care; BNF; Primary FRCA textbooks