The effect of amiodarone on malignant ventricular arrhythmia in the elderly with congestive heart failure

ObjectiveTo observe the effectiveness and safety of amiodarone been administrated intravenously and orally.MethodsForty-two elderly patients suffering from ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation(VT/VF) accompany with congestive heart failure were started with 150-300 mg intravenous loading regimen over 10 minutes,followed by a intravenous maintenance dose of 0.5-1 mg/min.24-48 hours later,oral amiodarone with 600 mg per day were given,and then reduced the dosage of drug to a oral maintenance dose of 200 mg per day step by step.ResultsThe average days of intravenous maintenance was(4.0±1.5)d,and the total efficiency was 85.7%.We didn't see any distinctly prolonged QT intervals or aggravated heart function because of the use of the drug during the time.ConclusionIt is a safe and effective method to use amiodarone in large dose to treat malignant ventricular arrhythmia in the elderly with congestive heart failure.Onset of action comes earlier and the serum amiodarone concentration is stable following intravenous and oral amiodarone therapy in combination,which could save lives more quickly and prevent the recurrence of arrhythmia.