Class: Antiarrhythmic. Calcium Channel blocker
Action: blocks calcium from moving into the heart muscle cells, which prolongs the conduction of electrical impulses through the AV node
Indications: Atrial fibrillation (rapid ventricular rate - RVR), Atrial flutter
Adverse Effects: flushing, headache, bradycardia, hypotension, heart block, myocardial depression, AV block, cardiac arrest.
Contraindications: Acute MI, cardiogenic shock, Wolfe-Parkinson White syndrome, 2nd or 3rd degree AV block, sick sinus syndrome, pulmonary edema, SBP < 90mmHg, WIDE complex V-Tach.
Special Considerations: Pregnancy Category C
Dosages:
Adults:
SLOW IV push - too fast could lead to quick drop in BP
0.25mg/kg IV/IO over 2 minutes (standard dose 20mg)
Second Adult dose
0.35m/kg IV/IO administered over 2 Mins
Pediatrics:
NONE