Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 Mg/Ml Concentrate For Solution For Injection And Infusion
Out of date information, search anotherSUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Injection and Infusion
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each ml contains 50 mg of amiodarone hydrochloride. Each 3 ml vial contains 150 mg amiodarone hydrochloride.
Excipient with known effect: 60.6 mg of benzyl alcohol/vial of 3 ml concentrate. For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Concentrate for solution for injection/infusion A clear yellowish solution pH of the solution: 4.4
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Treatment should be initiated and normally monitored only under hospital or specialist supervision.
Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Injection and Infusion is indicated only for the treatment of severe rhythm disorders not responding to other therapies or when other treatments cannot be used:
• tachyarrhythmias associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome;
• life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, including persistent or nonpersistent ventricular tachycardia or episodes of ventricular fibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation in case of cardiac arrest related to ventricular fibrillation resistant to defibrillation; when other active substances cannot be used;
• all other types of tachyarrhythmias including supraventricular, nodal and ventricular tachycardias; atrial flutter and fibrillation.
Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Injection and Infusion can be used where a rapid response is required or where oral administration is not possible.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Injection and Infusion should only be used when facilities exist for cardiac monitoring, defibrillation, and cardiac pacing.
Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Injection and Infusion may be used prior to direct current (DC) cardioversion.
Routes of administration:
Intravenous use
Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Injection and Infusion should be administered by a central venous route, except for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in case of cardiac arrest related to ventricular fibrillation resistant to defibrillation, where peripheral venous route could be used (see section 4.4).
Infusion
Starting dose :
The standard recommended dose is 5 mg/kg bodyweight given by intravenous infusion over a period of 20 minutes to 2 hours. This should be administered as a dilute solution in 250 ml 5% glucose. This may be followed by repeat infusion up to 1200 mg (approximately 15 mg/kg bodyweight) in up to 500 ml 5% glucose per 24 hours, the rate of infusion being adjusted on the basis of clinical response (see section 4.4).
Maintenance dose:
10 - 20 mg per kg bw in physiological glucose solution every 24 hours (on average 600 to 800 mg/ 24 hours up to a maximum of 1200 mg/ 24 hours accordingly 4-5 ampoules, maximum 8 ampoules) for a few days. On account of the stability of the solution, do not use concentrations below 300 mg per 500 ml and do not add other medicinal products to the infusion fluid.
To prevent local reactions (phlebitis), do not use concentrations exceeding 3 mg/ml.
Repeated or continuous infusions via peripheral veins may lead to local reactions (inflammation). Whenever repeated or continuous infusions are intended, administration via a central line is recommended.
Injection
In extreme clinical emergency amiodarone may, at the discretion of the clinician, be given as a slow injection of 150-300 mg (or 2.5 - 5 mg/kg) in 1020 ml 5% glucose over a minimum of 3 minutes. This should not be repeated for at least 15 minutes. Patients treated in this way with Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Injection and Infusion must be closely monitored, e.g. in an intensive care unit (see section 4.4).
Changeover from intravenous to oral use
As soon as an adequate response has been obtained (if possible, commence oral maintenance dose on the first day of the infusion), oral therapy should be initiated concomitantly at the usual loading dose (i.e. 200 mg three times a day). Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Injection and Infusion should then be phased out gradually.
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of amiodarone in children has not been established. Currently available data are described in sections 5.1 and 5.2.
Due to the presence of benzyl alcohol, amiodarone intravenous administration is contraindicated in neonates, infants and children up to 3 years old.
Elderly
As with all patients it is important that the minimum effective dose is used. Whilst there is no evidence that dosage requirements are different for this group of patients they may be more susceptible to bradycardia and conduction defects if too high a dose is employed. Particular attention should be paid to monitoring thyroid function (see sections 4.3, 4.4 and 4.8).
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Administration by a central venous catheter is recommended when it is immediately available, if not, the administration must be done by a peripheral venous route, using a large peripheral vein and with a flow as important as possible, or possibly, by a slow injection over a minimum of 3 minutes, followed by administration of 200 ml of infusion fluid. Do not give other medicinal substances in the same syringe with amiodarone. Amiodarone can cause severe irritation of the vein, therefore adequate rinsing after bolus injection must be ensured. In treatment of prolonged, refractory ventricular fibrillation, after administration of adrenaline and defibrillarion, 300 mg as bolus injection and repeated, if necessary, with 150 mg bolus injection.
The recommended dose for ventricular fibrillations/pulseless ventricular tachycardia resistant to defibrillation is 300 mg (or 5 mg/kg body-weight) diluted in 20 ml 5% glucose and rapidly injected. An additional 150 mg (or 2.5 mg/kg body-weight) IV dose may be considered if ventricular fibrillation persists.
Patients with liver and kidney problems
Although no dosage adjustment for patients with kidney or liver abnormalities has been defined during chronic treatment with oral amiodarone, close clinical monitoring is prudent for elderly patients.
For instructions on dilution of the sterile concentrate before administration, see section 6.6.
See section 6.2 for information on incompatibilities.
4.3 Contraindications
• Sinus bradycardia and sino-atrial heart block. In patients with severe conduction disturbances (high grade AV block, bifascicular or trifascicular block) or sinus node disease, amiodarone should be used only in conjunction with a pacemaker.
• Evidence or history of thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid function tests should be performed where appropriate prior to therapy in all patients.
• Severe respiratory failure, circulatory collapse, or severe arterial hypotension; hypotension, heart failure and cardiomyopathy are also contraindications when using Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Injection and Infusion as a bolus injection.
• Hypersensitivity to iodine or to amiodarone, or to any of the excipients (one vial contains approximately 56 mg iodine).
• The combination of amiodarone with drugs which may induce torsades de pointes is contra-indicated (see section 4.5).
• Due to the presence of benzyl alcohol, intravenous amiodarone is contraindicated in neonates, infants and children up to 3 years old.
• Pregnancy - the use is allowed only in special life-threatening circumstances as specified in the second indication (see sections 4.1, 4.4 and 4.6)
• Lactation (see section 4.6)
All these above contraindications do not apply to the use of amiodarone for cardiopulmonary resuscitation of shock resistant ventricular fibrillation.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Amiodarone may only be prescribed by competent specialists. Only to be used when other antiarrhythmics have shown insufficient effect. The patients must be monitored closely during treatment for radiological lungs examination, thyroid gland function and liver function test and ECG.
Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Injection and Infusion should only be used in a special care unit under continuous monitoring (ECG and blood pressure).
Administration of direct i.v. injections (bolus injections) is discouraged due to the risk of haemodynamic effects, such as serious hypotension and cardiovascular collapse. IV infusion is preferred to bolus. Such injections should only be used in an emergency - within a coronary intensive care unit and under ECG monitoring - when therapeutic alternatives have failed. If therapy is to be continued, administration should be changed to IV infusion.
Circulatory collapse may be precipitated by too rapid administration or overdosage (atropine has been used successfully in such patients presenting with bradycardia).
Its use should proceed with extreme caution - with haemodynamic monitoring - in patients with severe pulmonary impairment, arterial hypotension or stable congestive heart failure. Such patients should not be given a bolus injection (risk of exacerbation).
The proposed dose of 5 mg per kg, given as a direct injection, must not be exceeded.
If the effect of this product is too strong (e.g. severe bradycardia), appropriate measures should be taken, i.e. use of a pacemaker or beta stimulation.
The undiluted solution has not been adequately assessed for safety therefore, it is recommended not to use the solution for injection without prior dilution.
Repeated or continuous infusion via peripheral veins may lead to injection site reactions (see section 4.8). When repeated or continuous infusion is anticipated, administration by a central venous catheter is recommended.
When given by infusion amiodarone may reduce drop size and, if appropriate, adjustments should be made to the rate of infusion.
Anaesthesia (see section 4.5): Before surgery, the anaesthetist should be informed that the patient is taking amiodarone.
Paediatric patients
Safety and efficacy of amiodarone hydrochloride in paediatric patients have not been established. Therefore its use in paediatric patients is not recommended, but if essential, the use is to be under the supervision of a paediatric cardiologist. No controlled paediatric studies have been undertaken. In published uncontrolled studies effective doses for children were identified see (see section 4.2 and 5.1).
Amiodarone injection contains benzyl alcohol (20 mg/ml).
Benzyl alcohol may cause toxic reactions and allergic reactions in infants and children up to 3 years old.
Cardiac disorders
Caution should be exercised in patients with hypotension and decompensated cardiomyopathy and severe heart failure (also see section 4.3).
Amiodarone has a low pro-arrhythmic effect. Onsets of new arrhythmias or worsening of treated arrhythmias, sometimes fatal, have been reported. It is important, but difficult to differentiate a lack of efficacy of amiodarone from a proarrhythmic effect, whether or not this is associated with a worsening of the cardiac condition. Proarrhythmic effects generally occur in the context of interactions with other medicinal products and/or electrolytic disorders (see sections 4.5 and 4.8).
Too high a dosage may lead to severe bradycardia and to conduction disturbances with the appearance of an idioventricular rhythm, particularly in elderly patients or during digitalis therapy. In these circumstances, amiodarone treatment should be withdrawn. If necessary beta-adrenostimulants or glucagon may be given. Because of the long half-life of amiodarone, if bradycardia is severe and symptomatic the insertion of a pacemaker should be considered.
The pharmacological action of amiodarone induces ECG changes: QT prolongation (related to prolonged repolarisation) with the possible development of U-waves and deformed T-waves; these changes do not reflect
toxicity. As with some other anti-arrhythmic agents, this phenomenon can lead to atypical ventricular tachycardias ("torsade de pointes") in exceptional cases.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders (see section 4.8)
Very rare cases of interstitial pneumonitis have been reported with intravenous amiodarone. When the diagnosis is suspected, a chest X-ray should be performed. Amiodarone therapy should be re-evaluated since interstitial pneumonitis is generally reversible and resolve rapidly following early withdrawal of amiodarone, and corticosteroid therapy should be considered (see section 4.8). Clinical symptoms often resolve within a few weeks followed by slower radiological and lung function improvement. Some patients can deteriorate despite discontinuing amiodarone. Fatal cases of pulmonary toxicity have been reported.
Very rare cases of severe respiratory complications, sometimes fatal, have been observed usually in the period immediately following surgery (adult acute respiratory distress syndrome); a possible interaction with a high oxygen concentration may be implicated (see sections 4.5 and 4.8).
Hepato-biliary disorders (see section 4.8)
Severe hepatocellular insufficiency may occur within the first 24 hours of IV amiodarone, and may sometimes be fatal. Close monitoring of transaminases is therefore recommended as soon as amiodarone is started.
Eye disorders (see section 4.8)
During treatment with amiodarone hydrochloride, regular ophthalmic examinations are indicated - including funduscopy and examinations by means of a slit-lamp.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorder (see section 4.8)
Exposure to sunlight should be avoided during therapy with amiodarone hydrochloride; this also applies to UV light applications and solaria. If this is not possible, uncovered skin parts, particularly the face, are to be protected by application of an ointment with a high protection factor. Even after withdrawal of amiodarone hydrochloride, a light protector is necessary for some more time.
Endocrine disorders (see section 4.8)
Due to the risk of developing a thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) during treatment with amiodarone hydrochloride, thyroid function should be examined prior to the onset of treatment. During therapy and up to one year after its withdrawal, these examinations should be repeated at regular intervals and the patients examined for clinical symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Amiodarone hydrochloride inhibits the conversion of thyroxine (T4) into triiodothyronine (T3) and may lead to increased T4 values as well as to decreased T3 values in (euthyroid) patients without clinical symptoms. This findings constellation alone should not result in discontinuing therapy.
The clinical diagnosis of hypothyroidism is confirmed by proof of considerably increased ultrasensitive TSH value as well as decreased T4 value. By proof of hypothyroidism, the amiodarone hydrochloride dosage should be reduced - if possible - and/or substitution with L-thyroxine started. In isolated cases, discontinuation of amiodarone hydrochloride may be required.
The clinical diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is confirmed by proof of considerably decreased ultrasensitive TSH as well as increased T3 and T4 values. By proof of hyperthyroidism, the dosage should be reduced - if possible - or amiodarone hydrochloride discontinued; in severe cases, treatment with thyroid depressants, beta-adrenergic blocking agents and/or corticosteroids should be initiated.
On account of its iodine content, amiodarone hydrochloride falsifies classic thyroid tests (iodine binding test).
Nervous system disorders (see section 4.8):
Amiodarone may induce peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy and/or myopathy. Both these conditions may be severe, although recovery usually occurs within several months after amiodarone withdrawal, but may sometimes be incomplete.
Interactions with other medicinal products (see section 4.5)
Concomitant use of amiodarone with the following active substances is not recommended; beta-blockers, heart rate lowering calcium channel inhibitors (verapamil, diltiazem), stimulant laxative agents which may cause hypokalaemia.
Increased plasma levels of flecainide have been reported with coadministration of amiodarone. The flecainide dose should be reduced accordingly and the patient closely monitored.
The risk of muscular toxicity is increased by concomitant administration of amiodarone with statins metabolised by CYP 3A4 such as simvastatin, atorvastatin and lovastatin. It is recommended to use a statin not metabolised by CYP 3A4 when given with amiodarone.
After ending of the therapy there might be a still effective concentration of amiodarone in the blood serum for some weeks in case of a repeated intravenous administration because of the long half-life of amiodarone. After further subsidence of the amiodarone-level, arrhythmias can recur. Patients should be monitored regularly after ending of the therapy.
Pregnancy and lactation
Amiodarone must not be used during pregnancy or lactation unless clearly necessary. The product should only be used in pregnant women at life-threatening and pregnancy-threatening arrhythmias. The neonate should be monitored closely for thyroid dysfunction (see section 4.6).
Special warnings regarding excipients
This medicinal product contains 60.6 mg of benzyl alcohol/vial in 3 ml sterile concentrate.
Must not be given to premature babies or neonates. May cause toxic reactions and anaphylactoid reactions in infants and children up to 3 years old.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
In view of the long and variable half-life of amiodarone (approximately 50 days), potential for interactions with other medicinal products exists not only with concomitant medication but also with medicinal products administered after discontinuation of amiodarone.
Some of the more important active substances that interact with amiodarone include oral anticoagulants (warfarin), digoxin, phenytoin and any active substances which prolongs the QT interval.
Amiodarone raises the plasma concentrations of oral anticoagulants (warfarin) and phenytoin by inhibition of CYP 2C9. The dose of anticoagulants (warfarin) should be reduced accordingly. More frequent monitoring of prothrombin time both during and after amiodarone treatment is recommended.
Phenytoin dosage should be reduced if signs of overdosage appear, and plasma levels may be measured.
Administration of amiodarone to a patient already receiving digoxin will bring about an increase in the plasma digoxin concentration and thus precipitate symptoms and signs associated with high digoxin levels. Clinical, ECG and biological monitoring is recommended and digoxin dosage should be halved.
A synergistic effect on heart rate and atrioventricular conduction is also possible.
Combined therapy with the following active substances which prolong the QT interval is contraindicated (see section 4.3) due to the increased risk of torsades de pointes; for example:
• Class Ia anti-arrhythmics e.g. quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide
• Class III anti-arrhythmics e.g. sotalol,bretylium
• Intravenous erythromycin, co-trimoxazole or pentamidine injection
• Some anti-psychotics e.g. chlorpromazine, thioridazine, fluphenazine, pimozide, haloperidol, amisulpride and sertindole
• Lithium and tricyclic anti-depressants e.g. doxepin, maprotiline, amitriptyline
• Certain antihistamines e.g. terfenadine, astemizole, mizolastine
• Anti-malarials e.g. quinine, mefloquine, chloroquine, halofantrine
• Moxifloxacin
Fluoroquinolones
There have been rare reports of QTc interval prolongation, with or without torsades de pointes, in patients taking amiodrone with fluoroquinolones. Concomitant use of amidarone with fluoroquinolones should be avoided (concomitant use with moxifloxacin is contra-indicated, see above).
Combined therapy with the following active substances is not recommended:
• Beta blockers and certain calcium channel inhibitors (diltiazem, verapamil); potentiation of negative chronotropic properties and conduction slowing effects may occur.
• Stimulant laxatives, which may cause hypokalaemia thus increasing the risk of torsades de pointes; other types of laxatives should be used.
Caution should be exercised over combined therapy with the following drugs which may also cause hypokalaemia and/or hypomagnesaemia, e.g. diuretics, systemic corticosteroids, tetracosactide, intravenous amphotericin.
In cases of hypokalaemia, corrective action should be taken and QT interval monitored. In case of torsades de pointes antiarrhythmic agents should not be given; pacing may be instituted and IV magnesium may be used.
Caution is advised in patients undergoing general anaesthesia, or receiving high dose oxygen therapy. Potentially severe complications have been reported in patients taking amiodarone undergoing general anaesthesia: bradycardia unresponsive to atropine, hypotension, disturbances of conduction, decreased cardiac output. A few cases of adult respiratory distress syndrome, most often in the period immediately after surgery, have been observed. A possible interaction with a high oxygen concentration may be implicated.
Grapefruit juice also inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4 and may increase the plasma concentration of amiodarone. Grapefruit juice should be avoided during treatment with amiodarone.
Active substances metabolised by cytochrome P450 3A4 When such medicinal products are co-administered with amiodarone, an inhibitor of CYP 3A4, this may result in a higher level of their plasma concentrations, which may lead to a possible increase in their toxicity:
• Ciclosporin: plasma levels of ciclosporin may increase as much as 2-fold when used in combination. A reduction in the dose of ciclosporin may be necessary to maintain the plasma concentration within the therapeutic range.
• Statins: the risk of muscular toxicity is increased by concomitant administration of amiodarone with statins metabolised by CYP 3A4 such as simvastatin, atorvastatin and lovastatin. It is recommended to use a statin not metabolised by CYP 3A4 when given with amiodarone.
• Other active substances metabolised by cytochrome P450 3A4 are: lidocaine, tacrolimus, sildenafil, fentanyl, midazolam, triazolam, dihydroergotamine and ergotamine.
Flecainide
Given that flecainide is mainly metabolised by CYP 2D6, by inhibiting this isoenzyme, amiodarone may increase flecainide plasma levels; it is advised to reduce the flecainide dose by 50% and to monitor the patient closely for adverse effects. Monitoring of flecainide plasma levels is strongly recommended in such circumstances.
Interaction with substrates of other CYP 450 isoenzymes In vitro studies show that amiodarone also has the potential to inhibit CYP 1A2, CYP 2C19 and CYP 2D6 through its main metabolite. When coadministered, amiodarone would be expected to increase the plasma concentration of drugs whose metabolism is dependent upon CYP 1A2, CYP 2C19 and CYP 2D6.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
Data on a limited number of exposed pregnancies are available. Amiodarone and N-desmethylamiodarone cross the placental barrier and achieve 10-25% of the maternal plasma concentrations in the infant. Most frequent complications include impaired growth, preterm birth and impaired function of the thyroid gland in newborn babies. Hypothyroidism, bradycardia and prolonged QT intervals were observed in approximately 10 % of the newborn babies. In isolated cases an increased thyroid gland or cardiac murmurs were found. The malformation rate does not appear to be increased. However, the possibility of cardiac defects should be kept in mind. Therefore, Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Injection and Infusion must not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary and the real risk of reoccurrence of life threatening arrhythmias should be weighed against the possible hazard for the fetus. Given the long half life of amiodarone, women of child-bearing age would need to plan for a pregnancy starting at least half a year after finishing therapy, in order to avoid exposure of the embryo/fetus during early pregnancy.
Lactation
The passage into mother’s milk is proven for the active ingredient and for the active metabolite. If therapy is required during the lactation period, or if Amiodarone was taken during pregnancy, breast-feeding should be stopped.
Fertility
Elevated serum levels of LH and FSH were found in male patients after long-term treatment indicating testicular dysfunctions.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Not relevant.
4.8 Undesirable effects
The frequency of adverse reactions listed below is defined using the following convention:
Very common (>1/10); common (>1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (>1/1000 to <1/100); rare (>1/10000 to <1/1000); very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Blood and lymphatic system disorders:
In patients taking amiodarone there have been incidental findings of bone marrow granulomas. The clinical significance of this is unknown.
Immune system disorders:
Rare:
• the excipients benzyl alcohol may cause hypersensitivity reactions Very rare
• anaphylactic shock Not known:
• angioedema.
Endocrine disorders (see section 4.4): Common:
• hypothyroidism
• hyperthyroidism, sometimes fatal.
Psychiatric disorders: Common:
• nightmares
• sleep disorders.
Nervous system disorders:
Common:
• extrapyramidal tremor Uncommon:
• peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy and/or myopathy, usually reversible on withdrawal of the drug (see section 4.4).
• dizziness Very rare:
• cerebellar ataxia
• benign intracranial hypertension (pseudo- tumor cerebri)
• headache.
Eye disorders/see section 4.4):
Very common:
• microdeposits at the anterior surface of the cornea are found in almost
every patient, which are usually limited to the area below the pupil. They may be associated with colored halos in dazzling light or blurred vision. They usually regress 6-12 months after discontinuation of amiodarone hydrochloride.
Very rare:
• optic neuropathy/neuritis that may progress to blindness.
Cardiac disorders:
Common:
• bradycardia, generally moderate
Very rare:
• marked bradycardia, sinus arrest requiring discontinuation of amiodarone, especially in patients with sinus node dysfunction and/or in elderly patients
• onset or worsening of arrythmia, sometimes followed by cardiac arrest (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).
Vascular disorders:
Common:
• decrease in blood pressure, usually moderate and transient. Cases of hypotension or collapse have been reported following overdosage or a too rapid injection.
Very rare:
• hot flushes
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders:
Very rare:
• interstitial pneumonitis (see section 4.4)
• severe respiratory complications (adult acute respiratory distress syndrome), sometimes fatal (see sections 4.4 and 4.5)
• bronchospasm and/or apnoea in case of severe respiratory failure, and especially in asthmatic patients.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Very rare:
• nausea.
Hepatobiliary disorders:
Very rare:
• isolated increase in serum transaminases, which is usually moderate (1.5 to 3 times normal range) at the beginning of therapy. They may return to normal with dose reduction or even spontaneously.
• acute liver disorders with high serum transaminases and/or jaundice, including hepatic failure, sometimes fatal (see section 4.4).
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:
Very common:
• photosensitivity (see section 4.4).
Common:
• slate grey or bluish pigmentations of light-exposed skin, particularly the face, in case of prolonged treatment with high daily dosages; such pigmentations slowly disappear following treatment discontinuation.
Very rare:
• sweating
• erythema during the course of radiotherapy
• skin rashes, usually non-specific
• exfoliative dermatitis.
Not known:
• urticaria
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Common:
• muscle weakness Not known:
• back pain
General disorders and administration site conditions:
Common:
• injection site reactions such as pain, erythema, oedema, necrosis,
extravasation, infiltration, inflammation, induration, thrombophlebitis, phlebitis, cellulitis, infection, pigmentation changes.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the the Yellow Card Scheme (www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard).
4.9 Overdose
There is no information regarding overdose with intravenous amiodarone. Symptoms
Little information is available regarding acute overdose with oral amiodarone. Few cases of sinus bradycardia, heart block, attacks of ventricular tachycardia, torsades de pointes, circulatory failure and hepatic injury have been reported.
Treatment
In the event of overdose, treatment should be symptomatic, in addition to general supportive measures. The patient should be monitored and if bradycardia occurs beta-adrenostimulants or glucagon may be given.
Spontaneously resolving attacks of ventricular tachycardia may also occur. Due to the pharmacokinetics of amiodarone, adequate and prolonged surveillance of the patient, particularly cardiac status, is recommended.
Neither amiodarone nor its metabolites are dialysable.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antiarrhythmics, class III.
ATC code CO1B DO1.
Amiodarone is a di-iodinated benzofuran derivative and is classified as a class III antiarrhythmic agent owing to its ability to increase the cardiac action potential duration in both atrial and ventricular myocytes via block of cardiac K+ channels (mainly of the rapid component of the delayed rectifier K+ current, IKr). Thus, it prolongs the refractory period of the action potential leading to depression of ectopies and re-entry-arrhythmias and to prolongation of the QTc interval in the ECG.
Furthermore, Amiodarone also blocks cardiac Na+ currents (class I effect) and Ca2+ currents (class IV effect). The latter may lead to slowing of conduction through the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes. During long-term administration, Amiodarone also seems to inhibit the trafficking of ion channels from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane in cardiac myocytes, and these effects may contribute to the cardiac electrophysiological actions of Amiodarone under chronic administration. Furthermore, Amiodarone is a non-competitive antagonist at both B- and a-adrenoceptors and, therefore, has haemodynamic effects: dilatation of coronary arteries and peripheral vasodilation leading to a reduction of systemic blood pressure. Negative inotropic, negative chronotropic and negative dromotropic effects seem to be induced by the B-adrenergic antagonistic effects induced by Amiodarone. Some effects of Amiodarone are comparable with hypothyroidism, which might be due to inhibition of thyroid hormone synthesis. Amiodarone is a potent inhibitor of iodothyronine-5-monodeiodinase activity (the main T4-T3 converting enzyme). In rats, increases in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and reverse triiodothyronine (rT3), and decreases in serum triiodothyronine (T3) as a result of inhibition of deiodination of T4 to T3 have been observed. These antithyroid actions of Amiodarone might contribute to its cardiac electrophysiological effects.
The main metabolite N-desethylamiodarone has effects on cardiac electrophysiology similar to those of the parent compound
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in case of cardiac arrest related to ventricular fibrillation resistant to de fibrillation
Efficacy and safety of Amiodarone IV in patients during resuscitation after cardiac arrest due to ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, were evaluated in two double blind trials: the ARREST study, comparing amiodarone and placebo, and the ALIVE study, comparing amiodarone and lidocaine.
- In the ARREST study, 504 patients with out-of hospital cardiac arrest resulting from ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia resistant to three or more shocks delivered by an automated external defibrillator and epinephrine (1mg IV), were randomized to amiodarone 300 mg diluted in 20 mL 5% glucose rapidly injected into a peripheral vein (246 patients), or to its diluent (polysorbate 80) as placebo (258 patients).
Of the 197 patients (39%) who survived to be admitted to the hospital, amiodarone significantly increased the chances to be resuscitated and admitted to the hospital: 44% in the amiodarone group and 34% in the placebo group (p = 0.03).
After adjustment for other independent predictors of outcome, the adjusted odds ratio for survival to admission to the hospital in the amiodarone group as compared with the placebo group was 1.6 (IC 95%, 1.1 to 2.4; p = 0.02).
In the amiodarone group, more patients than in the placebo group required treatment for hypotension (59% versus 48%, p = 0.04) or for bradycardia (41% versus 25%, p = 0.004).
- In the ALIVE study, 347 patients (mean age 67±14 years) with ventricular fibrillation resistant to three defibrillation shocks, intravenous epinephrine, and a further defibrillation shock, or with recurrence of ventricular fibrillation after initially successful defibrillation, were randomized to rapidly receive through peripheral venous administration amiodarone (5 mg/kg of estimated body-weight diluted in 30 mL 5% glucose) and lidocaine-matching placebo, or lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg at a concentration of 10 mg/mL) and amiodarone-matching placebo containing the same diluent (polysorbate 80).
Amiodarone significantly increased the chances to be resuscitated and admitted to the hospital: of the 347 patients enrolled, 22.8% in the amiodarone group (41 patients out of 180) survived to hospital admission, vs 12% in the lidocaine group (20 patients out of 167), p = 0.009. After adjustment for other factors that may influence the likelihood of survival, the adjusted odds ratio for survival to hospital admission in recipients of amiodarone as compared with recipients of lidocaine was 2.49 (95 % confidence interval, 1.28 to 4.85; p = 0.007).
There were no differences between the amiodarone and lidocaine groups in the proportions of patients who needed treatment of bradycardia with atropine or pressor treatment with dopamine, or in the proportions of patients receiving open-label lidocaine.
The proportion of patients in whom asystole occurred following defibrillation shock after administration of the initial study drug was significantly higher in the lidocaine group (28.9%) than in the amiodarone group (18.4%) , p = 0.04.
Paediatric population
No controlled paediatric studies have been undertaken.
In published studies the safety of amiodarone was evaluated in 1118 paediatric patients with various arrhythmias. The following doses were used in paediatric clinical trials.
Oral
- Loading dose: 10 to 20 mg/kg/day for 7 to 10 days (or 500 mg/m2/day if expressed per square meter)
- Maintenance dose: the minimum effective dosage should be used; according to individual response, it may range between 5 to 10 mg/kg/day (or 250 mg/m2/day if expressed per square meter)
Intravenous
- Loading dose: 5 mg/kg body weight over 20 minutes to 2 hours,
- Maintenance dose: 10 to 15 mg/kg/day from few hours to several days
If needed oral therapy may be initiated concomitantly at the usual loading dose.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Pharmacokinetics of amiodarone are unusual and complex, and have not been completely elucidated. Absorption following oral administration is variable and may be prolonged, with enterohepatic cycling. The major metabolite is desethylamiodarone. Amiodarone is highly protein bound > 95%). Renal excretion is minimal and faecal excretion is the major route. A study in both healthy volunteers and patients after intravenous administration of amiodarone reported that the calculated volumes of distribution and total blood clearance using a two-compartment open model were similar for both groups. Elimination of amiodarone after intravenous injection appeared to be biexponential with a distribution phase lasting about 4 hours. The very high volume of distribution combined with a relatively low apparent volume for the central compartment suggests extensive tissue distribution. A bolus IV injection of 400 mg gave a terminal T% of approximately 11 hours.
No controlled paediatric studies have been undertaken. In the limited published data available in paediatric patients, there were no differences noted compared to adults.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
In chronic toxicity studies, amiodarone led to pulmonary damage (fibrosis, phospholipidosis; in hamsters, rats and dogs). Pulmonary toxicity appears to result from radical formation and perturbation of cellular energy production. In addition, amiodarone caused liver damage in rats.
Regarding the genotoxicity aspects the in vitro Ames test and in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus test have been conducted. Both studies yielded negative results.
In a 2-years carcinogenicity study in rats, amiodarone caused an increase in thyroid follicular tumours (adenomas and/or carcinomas) in both sexes at clinical relevant exposures. Since mutagenicity findings were negative, an epigenic rather than genotoxic mechanism is proposed for this type of tumour induction. In the mouse, carcinomas were not observed, but a dose-dependent thyroid follicular hyperplasia was seen. These effects on the thyroid in rats and mice are most likely due to effects of amiodarone on the synthesis and/or release of thyroid gland hormones. The relevance of these findings to man is low.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Polysorbate 80 Benzyl alcohol
Hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment) Sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment) Water for injections
6.2 Incompatibilities
This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned in section 6.6.
The following active substances or solution for reconstitution/dilution or equipment/devices should not be administered simultaneously:
Saline
Administration equipment or devices containing plasticizers such as DEHP.
Shelf life
6.3
18 months
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25 °C.
Keep the vials in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
For storage conditions of the diluted medicinal product, see section 6.3.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Injection and Infusion is contained in 5 ml amber glass type I vials closed with butyl rubber stopper and aluminium seal with a grey flip-off button.
Pack sizes: Carton containing 1, 5, 6, 10 or 25 vials.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
For single dose use only. Discard any unused solution immediately after initial use.
The dilution is to be made under aseptic conditions. Before use, the sterile concentrate should be visually inspected for clarity, particulate matter, discolouration and the integrity of the container. The solution should only be used if it is clear, free from particles and the container is undamaged and intact.
Prior to administration by intravenous infusion, Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Sterile Concentrate should be diluted according to directions with the recommended infusion fluid, 5% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion. The contents of one vial of the sterile concentrate diluted as recommended in 250 ml of 5% w/v Glucose Intravenous infusion contains 0.6 mg/ml of Amiodarone Hydrochloride.
Solutions containing less than 300 mg of amiodarone (two vials) in 500 ml of 5% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion are not stable and must not be used. It should also be stressed that no other compounds are to be mixed with amiodarone infusion solution.
Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Injection and Infusion should be administered solely in 5% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion. Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Injection and Infusion must not be mixed with other medicinal products in the same syringe.
Intravenous infusion:
The calculated dose is diluted with 250 ml 5% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion.
See section 4.2.
Intravenous injection:
150-300 mg (corresponding to 3-6 ml Amiodarone Hydrochloride 50 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Injection and Infusion) is diluted with 10-20 ml 5% w/v Glucose Intravenous Infusion. See section 4.2.
Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Sandoz Limited Frimley Business Park,
Frimley,
Camberley,
Surrey,
GU16 7SR.
United Kingdom
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 04416/0802
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
05/12/2008
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
25/06/2014