[Amiodarone--pro and con].

OBJECTIVE

To compare and evaluate the data for and against the use of antiarrhythmic agent amiodarone in known cardiological indications.

DATA SOURCES

A MEDLINE search was used to identify the articles dealing with amiodarone, published in the last 15 years.

STUDY SELECTION

Articles and studies (uncontrolled retrospective and controlled prospective), as well as case reports speaking decidedly for or against amiodarone were scrutinized.

DATA EXTRACTION

Simple search, no particular conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite very numerous and serious side effects amiodarone is an extraordinary drug and can be recommended for use, provided that the physician is very well acquainted with all implications of its use. Large number of studies on a significant number of patients has proven the efficacy of amiodarone in supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias of various origin. The drug is particularly suitable for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmia in patients with serious heart failure and impaired function of the left ventricle. It was successfully used in the treatment of malignant ventricular arrhythmias. In patients after myocardial infarction, intravenously administered amiodarone improved the chances of survival as well as the condition of arrhythmia, preventing spreading of the infarction. It is very convenient against ventricular arrhythmia after the successful resuscitation. Short-lasting intravenous administration of amiodarone does not cause serious side effects.