Amiodarone is indicated in which of the following:
1 answer
Diagnosis is provided for health problems not medication. Are you looking for side effects of the drug or a reason someone would be taking the medication? Amiodarone is used for an irregular heart beat.
1 answer
epinephrine 1mg then amiodarone
2 answers
sotalol, flecainide, propafenone, digoxin, verapamil, ibutilide, quinidine, amiodarone just to name a few
1 answer
Yes, it treats heart arrhythmias in patients who have already used other antiarrhythmic medicines but did not get the desired improvement.
1 answer
after Amiodarone, pressor,antiarrhythmic,pressor,antiarrhythmic
2 answers
150mg IV infusion over 10minutes. May repeat once in 10 minutes.
1 answer
alcohol,amiodarone,isoniazide,chlorpromazine,methotrexate,tolbutamide,copper,iron
1 answer
Scientists don't yet know why. The original research was done on patients taking oral amiodarone to control abnormal heart rythms who subsequently received a fentanyl infusion during surgery. These patients had a greater risk of severe bradycardia (very low heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure) and cardiac arrest.
1 answer
implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
....they also use external defibrillators which are used by ambulance and emergency rooms.
2 answers
Lu-Yang Wang has written:
'Cellular electrophysiologic actions of mexiletine combined with amiodarone in papillary muscles of guinea-pigs'
1 answer
#1. People with cardiac arrhythmia should not drink alcohol except with express permission of their cardiologist.
#2. Low-dose amiodarone has been reported to cause pseudo-alcoholic cirrhosis and elevated liver enzymes. Since alcohol intake causes the same problems and symptoms, none of which are good, we would remain totally abstinent.
2 answers
This is classified as a moderate interaction. You need to have your doctor monitor this. The amiodarone can cause in increase in the levels of Viagra in your body. Your doctor should start you off on a lower dose and keep an eye on things. Call your doctor or emergency services immediately if you experience pain or tightness in your chest or jaw, irregular heartbeat, nausea, shortness of breath, nausea, irregular heartbeat, or an erection which lasts longer than 4 hours.
1 answer
Amiodarone (Cordarone) IV administration varies depending on the orders prescribed by the patient's doctor. A common initial pre-hospital dose in North Carolina, USA is listed below.
V-Fibrillation or pulseless V-tachycardia- 300 mg IV push150 IV push, repeat of 150 mg IV push PRN
V-Tachycardia with a pulse- 150 mg in 100 cc D5W over 10 min
1 answer
The mainstays of treatment for clinically stable ventricular tachycardia are the various antidysrhythmic drugs. These are limited to procainamide, lidocaine, amiodarone, and a handful of intravenous beta-adrenergic blocking agents.
1 answer
depends on the cause of your hypothyroidism.
e.g.-
Note- none of above should be done with out consulting your doctor because consequences can be a disaster
1 answer
Medications that can require a pulse check include digoxin, amiodarone, and beta-blockers like metoprolol. These medications can affect heart rate and rhythm, so healthcare providers may check the pulse to monitor for any potential irregularities.
2 answers
Atrial flutter is a condition where the hearts normal conducting pathways are disturbed. it is treated by trying to reset the normal, usually with medications first such as amiodarone or lidocaine, or then if it refractory, with electrotherapy like cardioversion at around 50 to 100
J
1 answer
Medication for the control of irregular heart beat will depend on the cause and type of irregular herat beat. There are many causes and types of irregular heart beat. Here are a few aproaches that may be used;
Oxygen (a lack of oxygen may cause irregular herat beat)
Potassium supplement
Magnesium supplements
Amiodarone
Digoxin
Lidocaine
Verapamil
Cardizem
Metoprolol
As you can see, the list of medication is long. This is just a partial list. The most important thing is to investigate the cause of the irregular heart beeat
1 answer
I am a cardiac patient who has has open heart surgery in May 2006 and Pulmonary Vein Isolation Ablation in Jul 2008. My heart at the present time is in Atrial Flutter. I do poorly under the arrythmia. My question is can I safely exercise my heart on the treadmill or a weight training program while in the flutter. I feel tired almost immediately after starting the exercises which makes me suffer with chest discomfort. The only arrthmic drug that the doctors have prescribed is 200 mg a day of amiodarone. I used to take 400 mg a day and that kept me in sinus rhythum. Is it safe to exercise at the gym under this arrhymia. Thank you
1 answer
arrhythmia - abnormal electrical pattern of the heart (abnormal ekg/ abnormal heart rhythm)
anti-arrhythmics - medications intended to restore normal electrical heart pattern
bretylium, in an emergency setting, is an anti-arrhythmic agent used in treating ventricular fibrillation and/or ventricular tachycardia. Sometimes a patient's heart will present with one of these arrhythmias. in these cases, anti-arrhythmics are used in conjunction with defibrillation (shocking) in attempt to restore normal electrical patterns in the heart. anti-arrhythmics, such as bretylium and amiodarone, can also be used in a drip setting for patients who have converted back into a normal heart rhythm for arrhythmia prevention.
shane, NREMT-Paramedic, CCP
1 answer
Patients who experience ventricular fibrillation (which is disorganized electrical activity occuring within the lower chambers of the heart) are resuscitated via defibrillation. Defibrillation consists of an electric shock usually delivered via conductive pads or paddles. It essentially resets all the cells of the heart in hopes that when electrical activity resumes, it will be organized and able to pump blood.
Untreated, all ventricular fibrillation is fatal, and patients who are at known risk for experiencing this arrythmia can be provided with an implanted cardioverter defibrillator, or ICD. This is a device which is placed under the skin of the upper torso and connected to the heart with a wire. It contains a computer which will monitor the patient's heart at all times and deliver a shock if recognizes ventricular fibrillation or a related rhythm called ventricular tachycardia.
There are also certain drugs, such as amiodarone and lidocaine, which can be given to a patient at known risk for ventricular fibrillation in order to make it less likely. These drugs usually work by making the cell membranes of the cells of the heart more electrically stable. Many of the same drugs can also be given if defibrillation is initially unsuccessful in order to help make it more effective.
It should be noted that there is a very short window of time to treat ventricular fibrillation (permenant brain damage begins to occur approximately 4-6 minutes after the onset of the arrythmia), and the prognosis for these patients is generally very poor if they are not defibrillated immediately and transferred to a critical care setting.
2 answers
Medication for the control of irregular heart beat will depend on the cause and type of irregular herat beat. There are many causes and types of irregular heart beat. Here are a few aproaches that may be used;
Oxygen (a lack of oxygen may cause irregular herat beat)
Potassium supplement
Magnesium supplements
Amiodarone
Digoxin
Lidocaine
Verapamil
Cardizem
Metoprolol
As you can see, the list of medication is long. This is just a partial list. The most important thing is to investigate the cause of the irregular heart beeat
8 answers
Treating the underlying cause of the arrhythmia, such as correcting electrolyte imbalances, reducing stress, or using medication to regulate heart rhythm, can help convert arrhythmia back to normal sinus rhythm. In some cases, cardioversion or ablation procedures may be necessary to restore normal heart rhythm.
2 answers
In St John Ambulance, New Zealand, an intensive care paramedic (the most senior paramedic qualification) needs to be able to perform the following advanced procedures:
- Synchronised and electrical cardioversion
- Laryngoscopy
- Manual defibrillation
- Rapid sequence intubation
- Endotracheal Intubation
- Chest drainage
- Intraosseous, intravenous, intranasal and intramuscular access
- Tourniquet
- Capnography
- Chest decompression
- Pacing
- PEEP Valve
- Adjunct airway placement (able to be performed by First Responders)
- Needle Crichothyroidotomy (also known as a tracheotomy)
- Pharmacology and prescription of drugs (suxamethonium, midazolam, lignocaine, entonox, methoxyflurane, glycerol trinitrate spray, glucagon, ondansetron, loratadine, adrenaline, glucose, morphine, fentanyl, naloxone, amiodarone, ceftriaxone, naloxone, adenosine, ketamine, atropine and vecuronium)
1 answer
A lot of stuff. I'm just going to make a list of stuff as I would do them in one minute increments. FYI: epinephrine is basically adrenaline.
0:00 begin chest compressions, ventilation with bag-valve-mask, attach monitor pads.
1:00 establish IV
2:00 stop compressions for rhythm check/pulse check. If no pulse and shockable rhythm, defibrillate @ 200J
3:00 first drug: epinephrine or vasopressin.
3:30 intubate patient/apply capnography (measures CO2 coming out of lungs)
4:00 rhythm check/pulse check and Defib @ 300J if shockable
5:00 Second Drug: Amiodarone (antidysrhythmic for V-fib or pulseless V-tach)
6:00 rhythm check/pulse check and Defib @ 360J if shockable
7:00 Epinephrine
8:00 rhythm check/pulse check and Defib @ 360J if shockable
9:00 Amiodarone if still VF/VT
10:00 rhythm check/pulse check and Defib @ 360J if shockable
11:00 Epinephrine
12:00 rhythm check/pulse check and Defib @ 360J if shockable
14:00 rhythm check/pulse check and Defib @ 360J if shockable
15:00 Epinephrine
16:00 rhythm check/pulse check and Defib @ 360J if shockable
etc etc.
As soon as we get pulses back, we do 2 more minutes of CPR to keep the heart perfused, then get a set of vitals, put them on the cot and head to the hospital.
If we haven't gotten anything in 20-40 minutes or the rhythm has gotten worse, we may consider calling a doctor on the radio for a time of death.
1 answer
The higher the INR, the greater the risk for bleeding. I would not say that 4.7 is necessarily dangerous, but it is not good. Generally, you want to be between 2.0 and 3.0, but your doctor may use 2.5 to 3.5 for you, depending on your situation. 4.7 is high in either case, and if the test is repeated with the same result, then you might be put on vitamin K to reverse the effects of the coumadin (warfarin). There are many drugs and herbs that can affect the INR. Some raise it (amiodarone, Vitamin C), and some lower it. If you are going to a coumadin clinic, then you need to be sure to tell them all of the drugs or supplements that you are taking, so they can see if there is an adverse reaction going on, that they may be able to correct.
2 answers
Doctors may prescribe various treatments for arrhythmia problems, medications, catheter ablation or even surgery. Common medications include the beta blockers metoprolol (brand names Toprol XL, Lopressor), atenolol (Tenormin), carvedilol (Coreg), etc. Others include digoxin, diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia), which just like the beta blockers are primarily used to slow rapid heart rates. Antiarrhythmic medications designed to prevent the onset of a rapid rhythm include flecainide (Tambocor), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), dronederone (Multaq), sotalol (Betapace) and propafenone (Rhythmol). Catheter ablation is a heart procedure where long wires or catheters are inserted from a groin vein into the heart where heat energy is applied in an attempt to permanently cure a rapid arrhythmia. Rarely, open heart surgery similar to coronary bypass surgery is needed to allow for treatment of challenging arrhythmias such as refractory atrial fibrillation. Cardiac implanted electrical devices (CIEDs) include permanent pacemakers used to treat slow heart rhythms, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) to treat life-threatening ventricular tachycardia (VT) and biventricular or cardiac resynchronization devices to treat both VT and heart failure.
1 answer
Class I antiarrhythmic drugs work by inhibiting the sodium channel. Class IA agents work by inhibiting open voltage-dependent Na+ channels. This will slow phase 0 and increase the length of the effective refractory period. Its effect is dependent on frequency. The drugs dissociate slowly from closed channels so when the frequency of the action potential is high, the drug can prevent the the Na+ channel from contributing to the action potential as it is still there. One example of a class IA agent is the procainamide which is used to treat ventricular arrhythmias when administered intravenously. Class IB agents work by blocking closed voltage-dependent Na+ channels. It is often used to treat ventricular arrhythmia after an acute myocardial infarction. An acute myocardial infarction often leads to anoxia so many Na+ channels will be inactiated and closed. These Na+ channels are hence susceptible to class IB agents. An example of a class IB agent is the lidocaine.
Class III antiarrhythmic drugs work by blockign the outward K+ currents. This leads to the action potential belong prolonged. The QT interval will increase the the effective refractory period will also increase. One example of class III antiarrhythmic drug is the amiodarone. It inhibits the K+ channel, the inactivated Na+ channel, and the beta adrenoceptors.
1 answer
There are several medications that are NOT OTC meds and some possibly are that will speed up the effect of many of these sorts of prescribed drugs. I did not personally do a search on each and everyone of them below, you will need to do that yourself. Some of the ones common are: drugs such as ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, nelfanivir, nefazadone, amiodarone, amprenavir, aprepitant, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, fasamprenavi, grapefruit juice(imagine that), and verapamil. many of the blood pressure meds speed things up. I would think that grapefruit juice most likely answer you may be looking for to speed up the process, and I also believe that ketoconazole is a medication for diarrhea so some are OTC meds. The info is as I stated info that is on the Maylan manufacturers web site for Fentanyl patch. I do know that all of the medications have went through a progressive reconfiguration of the methods in which they can be delivered after abuse of them and since they had so many deaths etc. My wife has taken grapefruit juice to enhance her patch and it worked good. It did enhance the speedup effect of that patch. So many abusers of these class of drugs they have no idea what they are doing to the real pain and opiate tolerant people. At any rate I do hope this helps in some good way to help you with your pain suffering. You may want to go the web site of your medication you asked about also, as it may tell which meds to NOT take while taking that drug also, "Because it Will Enhance Speeding Up The Effects". Good Luck
1 answer
Emergency rooms deal with many types of injuries and illnesses. Some of the more common medical emergencies that require drugs are cardiac arrests/arrhythmias, strokes, seizures, allergic reactions, overdoses, and traumatic injuries.
The most frequently administered drugs for cardiac arrest are epinephrine and atropine, generally given for pulseless rhythms including asystole. Other emergency cardiac drugs include lidocaine, adenosine, amiodarone, calcium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate.
Diazepam is the most commonly used seizure-breaking agent, however many other benzodiazepines are in use.
Strokes require fibrinolytic therapy in eligible patients, and drugs such as alteplase and retaplase are the most commonly used.
For serious allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock) epinephrine is usually the drug of choice.
Traumatic injuries don't intrinsically require medication, as fluid loss is the most pressing concern. Most trauma patients receive large doses of fluid (saline or lactated ringers) and can occasionally require blood products.
Overdoses can be tricky, as the medication required to counteract the symptoms depend on what was ingested. For heroine and opioid overdoses, naloxone is an immediate and effective antidote. For poisons ingested orally, activated charcoal is often administered. Many poisons have their own unique antidote, and compiling a list is not practical.
2 answers
Thyroid diseases sometimes result from inappropriate TSH levels, or may be caused by problems in the thyroid gland itself.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the body makes antibodies that destroy parts of the thyroid gland. Surgical removal and certain medications (e.g., amiodarone, lithium) can also cause hypothyroidism.
Other causes of hypothyroidism include pituitary problems, hypothalamus problems, and iodine deficiency (rare in North America, but affects nearly 2 billion people worldwide).
Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. This condition occurs when the immune system produces an antibody that stimulates the entire thyroid gland; this leads to overactivity and higher levels of thyroid hormones.
Secondary hyperthyroidism is caused when the pituitary gland makes too much TSH, leading to constant stimulation of the thyroid gland. A pituitary tumour may cause TSH levels to rise. More rarely, the pituitary gland becomes insensitive to thyroid hormones, no longer responding to high levels.
Another possible cause of hyperthyroidism is a condition called thyroiditis. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland becomes inflamed. Depending on the type of thyroiditis, this may lead to temporary hyperthyroidism that might be followed by hypothyroidism.
2 answers
A cataract is a very common condition of the lens (a structure located inside the eye which, along with the cornea, focuses light on the retina for clear vision). A cataract is a clouding or opacity of the lens that results in decreased vision, glare, and/or haloes around lights. If these symptoms interfere with one's quality of life, an ophthalmologist can remove the lens and replace it with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed in developed countries. A number of factors increase the likelihood of cataract formation, with increasing age being the most common cause, in addition to trauma, frequent ocular steroid administratioon, prior intraocular surgery (e.g., for glaucoma and retinal detachment), various disorders of the body (e.g., diabetes), other disorders of the eye (e.g., intrraocular inflammation called "uveitis"), the use of non-ocular medications (e.g., amiodarone, which is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms), and many others. Congenital cataracts (meaning present at birth) require prompt removal because they can cause irreversible vision loss in infants; by preventing light from reaching the retina, the area of the brain responsible for interpreting signals from the eye do not have an opportunity to develop properly. It is important to note that almost everyone over rhe age of 40 has some degree of lens clouding and thus technically has a cataract. But only visually signicant cataracts (i.e., those causing symptoms) should be of any concern to the patient or physician.
3 answers
A common mistake with "lay people" (people not medically trained) is they think a heart attack is a cardiac arrest. A cardiac arrest is when your heart stops beating (unless you have pulseless electrical activity, but that's another story); whereas, a heart attack is when one of your coronary (heart) arteries become either partially, or completely blocked off causing your heart to be starved of oxygen. You do not "jump-start" a heart attack, that would just make matters worse.
In cardiac arrest (what your thinking of), your cells are temp. dead for all intensive purposes. They may still quiver (ventricular fibrillation), or beat extremely fast from the wrong site, so fast it doesn't push in blood through your arteries because it doesn't have enough time to fill with blood (Ventricular Tachycardia). Your heart needs to have a rate between 60-100 to have a normal heart rate, below that can be dangerous because your heart wont pump fast enough to supply your body with blood. A rate too high (150+) will cause your heart to beat so fast it cannot fully fill with blood, therefore no blood is really getting to your body.
When someone gets "jump-started" it is called being defribrillated. When you defribrillate someone, you send 360 joules of electricity (depending on monophasic vs biphasic) through them, attempting to kill all electrical activity at once, hoping that right cells (SA node) start the heart beat again, in an orderly fashion.
A doctor will check a pulse first, begin CPR, and defribrillate the patient depending on the rhythm on the cardiac monitor. They will set up an IV at some point in time, and establish an airway usually through endotrachael intubation. They will administer drugs via intraveous line such as epinepherine, atropine, amiodarone, vasopressin, etc.
Source(s):EMT-ParamedicMedical Student
1 answer
Epididymitis is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection, often stemming from a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. In some cases, epididymitis can also be caused by non-infectious factors such as trauma, vasculitis, or certain medications.
3 answers
Epididymitis is swelling (inflammation) of the epididymis, the tube that connects the testicle with the vas deferens.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsEpididymitis is most common in young men ages 19 - 35. It is a major cause of hospital admissions in the military.
Epididymitis is usually caused by the spread of an infection from the urethra or the bladder. The most common infections that cause this condition in young heterosexual men are gonorrhea and chlamydia. In children and older men,E. coli and similar infections are much more common. This is also true in homosexual men.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) can occur as epididymitis. Other bacteria (such as Ureaplasma) may also cause the condition.
Another cause of epididymitis is the use of a medication called amiodarone, which prevents abnormal heart rhythms.
The following increase the risk for epididymitis:
Epididymitis may begin with a low-grade fever, chills, and a heavy sensation in the testicle. The testicle becomes more and more sensitive to pressure.
Other symptoms include:
Physical examination shows a red, tender, and sometimes swollen lump (mass) on the affected side of the scrotum. Tenderness is usually in a small area of the testicle where the epididymis is attached.
There may be enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area (inguinal nodes), and a discharge from the penis. A rectal examination may show an enlarged or tender prostate.
These tests may be performed:
It is important to distinguish this condition from testicular torsion. Testicular torsion is an emergency and should be treated with surgery as soon as possible.
TreatmentYour health care provider will prescribe medications to treat the infection. Sexually-transmitted infections require specific antibiotics. Your sexual partners should also be treated. You may need pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications.
The treatment for epididymitis caused by the medication amiodarone is a lower dose or change in the medication.
Bed rest, while elevating the scrotum and applying ice packs to the area, is recommended. It is very important to have a follow-up visit with your health care provider to find out whether the infection has gone away completely.
Expectations (prognosis)Epididymitis usually gets better with antibiotic treatment. There usually is no reduction in sexual or reproductive abilities. However, it is common for the condition to return.
If not treated, or in some other cases, the condition can become long-term (chronic). In chronic cases, there is usually no swelling, but there is pain.
ComplicationsComplications include:
Acute pain in the scrotum is a medical emergency. It needs to be checked out by a health care provider immediately.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you develop symptoms of epididymitis. Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have severe testicle pain suddenly or after an injury.
PreventionYou can prevent complications from epididymitis by getting diagnosed early, and by treating any infections.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before a surgery that increases the risk for epididymitis. Practicing safe sex (having intercourse with only one partner at a time, using condoms) may help prevent epididymitis caused by sexually-transmitted diseases.
ReferencesNickel JC. Inflammatory Conditions of the Male Genitourinary Tract: Prostatitis, and Related Conditions, Orchitis, Epididymitis. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 9.
2 answers
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a rapid heartbeat that starts in the ventricles.
Alternative NamesWide-complex tachycardia; V tach; Tachycardia - ventricular
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsVentricular tachycardia is a pulse rate of more than 100 beats per minute, with at least three irregular heartbeats in a row.
The condition can develop as an early or late complication of a heart attack. It may also occur in patients with:
Ventricular tachycardia can occur without heart disease.
Scar tissue may form in the muscle of the ventricles days, months, or years after a heart attack. This can lead to ventricular tachycardia.
Ventricular tachycardia can also be caused by:
"Torsade de pointes" is a form of ventricular tachycardia that is often due to congenital heart disease or the use of certain medications.
SymptomsIf the heart rate during a ventricular tachycardia episode is very fast or lasts longer than a few seconds. There may be symptoms such as:
Note: Symptoms may start and stop suddenly. In some cases, there are no symptoms.
Signs and testsSigns include:
Ventricular tachycardia may be seen on:
Blood chemistries and other tests may be done.
TreatmentTreatment depends on the symptoms, and the type of heart disorder. Some people may not need treatment.
If ventricular tachycardia becomes an emergency situation, it may require:
Long-term treatment of ventricular tachycardia may require the use of oral anti-arrhythmic medications (such as procainamide, amiodarone, or sotalol). However, anti-arrhythmic medications may have severe side effects. Their use is decreasing in favor of other treatments.
Some ventricular tachycardias may be treated with an ablation procedure. Radiofrequency catheter ablation can cure certain tachycardias.
A preferred treatment for many chronic (long-term) ventricular tachycardias consists of implanting a device called implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The ICD is usually implanted in the chest, like a pacemaker. It is connected to the heart with wires.
The doctor programs the ICD to sense when ventricular tachycardia is occurring, and to administer a shock to stop it. The ICD may also be programmed to send a rapid burst of paced beats to interrupt the ventricular tachycardia. You may need to take anti-arrhythmic drugs to prevent repeated firing of the ICD.
Expectations (prognosis)The outcome depends on the heart condition and symptoms.
ComplicationsVentricular tachycardia may not cause symptoms in some people. However, it may be lethal in other people. It is a major cause of sudden cardiac death.
Calling your health care providerGo to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have a rapid, irregular pulse, faint, or have chest pain. All of these may be signs of ventricular tachycardia.
PreventionIn some cases, the disorder is not preventable. In other cases, it can be prevented by treating heart diseases and correcting blood chemistries.
ReferencesOlgin JE, Zipes DP. Specific Arrhythmias: Diagnosis and Treatment. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP. Libby: Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 35.
Epstein AE, DiMarco JP, Ellenbogen KA, Estes NA 3rd, Freedman RA, Gettes LS, et al. ACC/AHA,HRS 2008 Guidelines for Device-Based Therapy of Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Revise the ACC?AHA/NASPE 2002 Guideline Update for Implantation of Cardiac Pacemakers and Antiarrhythmia Devices): developed in collaboration with the American Association for Thoracic Surgery and Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Circulation. 117:e350-e408.
2 answers
Low potassium
2 answers
Talk to your doctor. Talk to you pharmacist. Also see the related link below.
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
•antibiotics like chloroquine, clarithromycin, erythromycin, grepafloxacin, pentamidine, sparfloxacin, troleandomycin
•arsenic trioxide
•cisapride
•droperidol
•halofantrine
•haloperidol
•medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, bretylium, disopyramide, dofetilide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol
•pimozide
•ranolazine
•rasagiline
•selegiline
•sertindole
•ziprasidone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
•alcohol
•alfuzosin
•antibiotics like gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, mefloquine, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, telithromycin
•antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
•desipramine
•MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
•medicines for blood pressure
•medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
•medicines for irregular heart beat like flecainide, propafenone
•medicines for nausea or vomiting like dolasetron, ondansetron, palonosetron
•medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
•medicines for sleep
•medicines for sleep during surgery
•medicines to numb the skin
•muscle relaxers
•narcotic medicines for pain
•octreotide
•peginterferon Alfa-2b
•phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
•rifampin, rifapentine
•some medcines for cancer like dasatinib, lapatinib, sunitinib
•some medicines for HIV like delavirdine, didanosine, efavirenz, nevirapine
•St. John's wort
•tacrolimus
•tramadol
•vardenafil
•vorinostat
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
9 answers
We manually open the airway using either a head tilt chin lift or a modified jaw thrust. After making sure they are not infact not breathing on there own we hook up a device called a bag valve mask (bvm) with oxygen to breath for them. The rate of breaths for a person who is apenic (not breathing) with a strong pulse is 1 breath every 6-8 seconds. Make sure to monitor the pulse if it becomes slow and weak begin CPR.
Yes those are the basics, however you first need to check for any obstructions in the airway before you begin your ventilation's, you need to secure the airway by using a oropharyngeal airway and you need to intubate the patient. We can also connect a ventilator to the et tube thereby getting rid of the need for a bvm. You also need to ascertain the reason for the apnea and if possible correct that.
6 answers
If you take naproxen sodium more than once a week, you must immediately have your doctor or a hospital lab check your INR (prothrombin time) to know if your blood thinning is excessive. Normal is around 10 but if you have been prescribed Warfarin (Coumadin) for your heart condition, your level should probably be between 20 and 30. Higher levels can result in an internal hemorrhage.
4 answers
Platelets (thrombocytes) are a type of blood cells, which are derived in the bone marrow from large cells called megakaryocytes. They are critical for the clotting of blood and have a lifespan of about 10 days. The normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 - 400,000/ml and a reduction in platelets is referred to as thrombocytopenia. This may be mild (100,000 - 150,000/ml), moderate (50,000 - 100,000/mlƒw) or severe (less than 50,000/ml).
Platelets may be low due to:
a) Increased destruction (immunologic ¡V infections, drugs; gestational thrombocytopenia) or utilization (disseminated intra-vascular coagulation; abnormal vasculature as seen in hemolytic uremic syndrome & thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura).
b) Decreased production (leukaemia, aplastic anaemia, megaloblastic anaemia, drugs, infections.
c) Sequestration in the spleen (cirrhosis of liver).
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is the presence of isolated thrombocytopenia with a normal bone marrow and the absence of other causes to account for it.
Drugs can can cause platelet destruction by a variety of mechanisms. Platelet production in the marrow is inhibited by cytotoxic drugs, thiazide diuretics, interferon, and alcohol. Most often, drug-induced thrombocytopenia is mediated by immunological destruction of platelets via antibodies. Some common drugs associated with thrombocytopenia include quinidine, amiodarone, gold, captopril, sulfonamides, glibenclamide, carbamazepine, ibuprofen, cimetidine, tamoxifen, ranitidine, phenytoin, vancomycin, and piperacillin. The diagnosis of drug-induced thrombocytopenia is often empirical and it is often difficult to identify the drug that is causing severe thrombocytopenia in an acutely ill patient who is taking multiple drugs. A careful history and examination of medical records can reveal a temporal relationship between the administration of the drug and the development of thrombocytopenia, with no other explanations for the thrombocytopenia. Its recurrence following drug re-exposure confirms the diagnosis.
No treatment is required when the platelet counts are more than 50,000/ml. Treatment is indicated
a) when platelets are less 50,000/ml and there is significant mucous membrane bleeding;
b) in patients with hypertension, peptic ulcer disease or vigorous lifestyle who have a risk factor for bleeding
c) when platelet count <20,000-30,000/ml. Glucocorticoids and intra-venous gammaglobulins (I.V. Ig) are the mainstays of medical therapy. Their use and dose is dictated by the symptoms, patients clinical condition and the platelet count. Platelet transfusion is indicated for controlling severe hemorrhage. Platelet survival is increased if the platelets are transfused immediately after I.V. Ig infusion.
He can travel if the platelets are more than 50,000 and there are no signs of bleeding. Platelets (thrombocytes) are a type of blood cells, which are derived in the bone marrow from large cells called megakaryocytes. They are critical for the clotting of blood and have a lifespan of about 10 days. The normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 - 400,000/ml and a reduction in platelets is referred to as thrombocytopenia. This may be mild (100,000 - 150,000/ml), moderate (50,000 - 100,000/mlƒw) or severe (less than 50,000/ml).
Platelets may be low due to:
a) Increased destruction (immunologic ¡V infections, drugs; gestational thrombocytopenia) or utilization (disseminated intra-vascular coagulation; abnormal vasculature as seen in hemolytic uremic syndrome & thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura).
b) Decreased production (leukaemia, aplastic anaemia, megaloblastic anaemia, drugs, infections.
c) Sequestration in the spleen (cirrhosis of liver).
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is the presence of isolated thrombocytopenia with a normal bone marrow and the absence of other causes to account for it.
Drugs can can cause platelet destruction by a variety of mechanisms. Platelet production in the marrow is inhibited by cytotoxic drugs, thiazide diuretics, interferon, and alcohol. Most often, drug-induced thrombocytopenia is mediated by immunological destruction of platelets via antibodies. Some common drugs associated with thrombocytopenia include quinidine, amiodarone, gold, captopril, sulfonamides, glibenclamide, carbamazepine, ibuprofen, cimetidine, tamoxifen, ranitidine, phenytoin, vancomycin, and piperacillin. The diagnosis of drug-induced thrombocytopenia is often empirical and it is often difficult to identify the drug that is causing severe thrombocytopenia in an acutely ill patient who is taking multiple drugs. A careful history and examination of medical records can reveal a temporal relationship between the administration of the drug and the development of thrombocytopenia, with no other explanations for the thrombocytopenia. Its recurrence following drug re-exposure confirms the diagnosis.
No treatment is required when the platelet counts are more than 50,000/ml. Treatment is indicated
a) when platelets are less 50,000/ml and there is significant mucous membrane bleeding;
b) in patients with hypertension, peptic ulcer disease or vigorous lifestyle who have a risk factor for bleeding
c) when platelet count <20,000-30,000/ml. Glucocorticoids and intra-venous gammaglobulins (I.V. Ig) are the mainstays of medical therapy. Their use and dose is dictated by the symptoms, patients clinical condition and the platelet count. Platelet transfusion is indicated for controlling severe hemorrhage. Platelet survival is increased if the platelets are transfused immediately after I.V. Ig infusion.
He can travel if the platelets are more than 50,000 and there are no signs of bleeding.
2 answers
1. monitor v/s(vital signs)- paying particular attention to heart rate and rhythm. (some patients are chronic for their a-fib) and then there is controlled a-fib and uncontrolled a-fib) making a note of if and when the patient converted to a sinus rhythm based on if the doctor has ordered any drips(ie: cardizem or amio) 2. educate on medications: pt may be placed on amiodarone and asa long term to manage blood consistency. 3. educate on diagnostic tests: EKG, Echo 4. and if placed on coumadin make sure pt knows signs and symptoms of toxicity and to make their appts for lab checks, ie: PT/PTT/INR(coagulations) Hope this helps. Tamara MSN,RN
4 answers
Digitalis is a medication prescribed to certain heart patients. Digitalis toxicity is a complication of digitalis therapy, or it may be occur when someone takes more than a large amount of the drug at one time. (This is called an acute ingestion.)
The most common prescription form of this medication is called digoxin. Digitoxin is another form of digitalis.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsDigitalis toxicity can be caused by high levels of digitalis in the body, or a decreased tolerance to the drug. Patients with decreased tolerance may have "normal" digitalis levels in their blood.
Digitalis toxicity can occur from a single exposure or chronic overmedication, or it may occur in patients with normal blood levels of digitalis if other risks are present.
People with heart failure who take digoxin are commonly given medications called diuretics, which remove excess fluid from the body. Many diuretics can cause potassium loss. Low levels of potassium in the body increase the risk of digitalis toxicity. Digitalis toxicity may also result in persons who take the drug and who have low levels of magnesium in the body.
Risks include taking digitalis medications such as digoxin or digitoxin along with medications that interact with digitalis such as quinidine, verapamil, amiodarone, and others.
Reduced kidney function will cause digitalis to build up in the body rather than be removed normally through urine. Therefore, any disorders that disrupt kidney functioning (including dehydration) make digitalis toxicity more likely.
SymptomsAdditional symptoms that may be associated with digitalis toxicity include:
The heart ratemay be rapid or slow and may be irregular.
An ECG is done to check for irregular heart beats.
Blood tests will be done to check:
See also:
In an emergency, assist breathing as needed (see CPR) and get professional medical help.
Arrhythmias are treated according to which arrhythmia develops.
If toxicity is due to a recent, acute single exposure, treatment may involve:
Digitoxin blood levels may be lowered with repeated doses of charcoal, given after gastric lavage.
Methods to cause vomiting are usually not performed because vomiting can worsen slow heart rhythms.
In severe cases, medications called digoxin-specific antibodies may be prescribed. Hemodialysis may be required to reduce the levels of digitalis in the body.
Expectations (prognosis)The outcome varies depending on the extent of toxicity and arrhythmias that develop.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if you are taking a digitalis medication and symptoms of digitalis toxicity develop.
PreventionDigitalis blood levels should be monitored regularly if you are taking digitalis medications. Blood chemistries should also be monitored to detect conditions that make digitalis toxicity more common.
Potassium supplements may be prescribed if you take diuretics and digitalis together, or a potassium-sparing diuretic may be prescribed.
2 answers
Because everthing, and I do mean EVERYTHING is dictated by the FDA. HUGE, and I do mean HUGE profits come from prescriptions wrote every day. The more people become dependant on medication, the sicker they are, the sicker they are, the more money the FDA makes ;) It's not in the best interest of the government to have healthy people. They lose billions and billions of dollars when medications aren't being bought! It starts out with the drug companies themselves that make billions of dollars. Their drug has to be FDA approved and in some cases the FDA has been caught red-handed approving a medication that should never have been approved in the first place. Then the drug companies send their sale people out to go to doctor's offices and offer free samples and to put it bluntly everyone involved gets a piece of the pie. They WANT society to be dependant on drugs and it's become a pill-popping society. If you are awake and really listening to some of the ads on TV promoting drugs perk up your ears to the side effects. After they mention only a small portion of side effects it's enough to turn most intelligent people off, but there are some people that possibly need relief and will try anything especially when the medication talked about relieves pain. Drugs have to be part of our society to some degree, but most of the medications coming out are not regulated properly and society has become highly suspicious of the FDA's activities in approving many of the medications. Without some drugs people would never have relief from pain, so, what is the answer? It's simple. Before filling your prescription from your doctor either get a print-out of this medication from your pharmacist or go on www.google.com and put in the name of the medication and find out what the side effects are. Example: My husband has Atrial Fibrillation. We went to see a Cardiologist (first time) in the hospital and without saying a word to us and a flick of his pen he shoved a prescription at my husband and said he was taking him off Digoxin (to lower his heart rate) and putting him on Amiodarone. I said nothing, but told my husband later I was going to look this drug up. The side effects are mind boggling and have extremely harmful side effects that are irreversible and I phoned our family doctor and told him we were refusing this drug and he even admitted it wasn't the best choice of drug for this particular problem. He is taking something else. So, be aware, don't be afraid to look up your medication and if you have any questions see you doctor! If you don't like the sound of the drug and your gut feeling says "no" then you say "no" and tell the doctor to try something else. Doctors have a Code of Ethics they took and they should be working for the benefit of their patient. Some medications will give side effects and this does not mean everyone will get these side effects. SSRI's for depression are only a band-aid for people, but it helps the person to concentrate so they can get some professional help and in most cases antidepressants don't have to be a medication in one's life forever. Be smart, don't think doctors are God, and be aware of what you are putting into your body. Don't be timid around doctors and if you have questions then speak up! If they poo-poo your questions re a certain medication then talk to your pharmacist. Although Homeopathic Medicine is the new kid on the block to help patients one must also realize that "natural" doesn't mean it's safe! Many of the herbs, etc., that your health food stores or Homeopathic doctors give you are used in the very drugs conventional medicine gives you, so because it's "natural" don't feel you can pop this bottle, that bottle of pills back and be safe. A person should always discuss Homeopathic medicine with their GP and hopefully both doctors can work together. There are no regulations or protections for people who go to Homeopathic doctors, so be careful!
1 answer
Brand names: Buprenex®Suboxone®Subutex®
Chemical formula:
Buprenorphine injection
What is Buprenorphine injection?
BUPRENORPHINE (Buprenex®) is used to treat moderate to severe pain, usually during or after surgery. Generic buprenorphine injection is available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• abnormal bladder function, difficulty urinating
• constipation
• enlarged prostate
• gallbladder disease
• if you frequently have alcohol-containing drinks
• intestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease, such as asthma or COPD
• an unusual reaction to buprenorphine, morphine, codeine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Buprenorphine injection is usually given as injection into your vein or large muscle by a trained healthcare professional.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. You will receive doses of buprenorphine from your health care professional as you need them for pain.
What drug(s) may interact with Buprenorphine?
• bosentan
• medicines for fungal infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
• medicines for seizures
• some medicines for the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS
• St. John's wort
Because buprenorphine can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of buprenorphine. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are:
• alcohol-containing medicines
• barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
• certain antihistamines used in cold medicines
• muscle relaxants
• other strong pain medicines such as morphine, propoxyphene, hydrocodone
Ask your prescriber or health care professional about other medicines that may increase the effect of buprenorphine.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Buprenorphine?
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how buprenorphine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly; this reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. These effects may be worse if you are an older patient. The drowsiness should decrease after taking buprenorphine for a couple of days.
Be careful taking other medicines that may also make you tired. This effect may be worse when taking other medicines that cause drowsiness along with buprenorphine. Alcohol can also increase possible drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing. Avoid alcohol while taking buprenorphine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Buprenorphine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• breathing difficulties
• cold, clammy skin
• confusion
• a decrease or difficulty in passing urine
• hives, itching
• lightheadedness or fainting spells
• nervousness or restlessness
• rash
• swelling of ankles
• unusually slow breathing
• yellow skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• anxiety
• blurred vision or any change in vision
• confusion
• constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• insomnia
• nausea
• sweating
• vomiting
Where can I keep my medicine?
This does not apply. You will not be given buprenorphine injection to use at home.
1 answer