Past Papers · SAQ
Antiarrhythmics — Digoxin vs Amiodarone
2018B Q02
Exam questionCompare and contrast amiodarone and digoxin.
CICMWrecks answer
Master answer
Master Compare
Compare candidate-facing canonical Pharmacopeia fields side by side. Isolated AI-draft proposals are never included.
| Field |
DIGOXIN
Cardiovascular · Cardiovascular · Level 1
|
AMIODARONE
Cardiovascular · Cardiovascular · Level 1
|
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | i) Na/K ATPase inhibition → ↑ intracell Na → ↓ Na-Ca pump → ↑ intracell Ca → inotropy |
inhibits adrenergic stimulation (alpha- and beta-blocking properties), affects sodium, potassium, and calcium channels, prolongs the action potential and refractory period in myocardial tissue; decreases AV conduction and sinus node function |
| Physiological effects | CVS GIT - Anorexia/N/V/Diarrhoea (especially if therapeutic range exceeded) CNS Renal- Mild diuretic effect Miscellaneous- Rashes, eosinophilia; Gynaecomastia |
- Sinus rhythm slowed by 15% secondary to slowed diastolic depolarization of nodal cells |
| Absorption | IV, PO BA 60-80% |
poorly absorbed, BA 40-70% |
| Protein binding | prot bind ~25%; uremia- displaced fm pl prot bind sites |
96% |
| Volume of distribution | 6-7 L/kg |
66L/kg |
| Metabolism | Stomach:Sequential sugar hydrolysis+ redn of lactone ring by intestinal bacteria |
complex metabolism, hepatic via de-ethylation catalysed by CYP 2C8 and 3A4. active metabolite N-desethylamiodarone |
| Excretion | Urine (50% to 70% unchanged) |
via skin, faeces, urine, lachrymal glands |
| Half-life | 36-48 hours |
~40-55 days |
| Adverse Effects Toxicity | Thyroid-Vd |
CVS - not arrhythmogenic despite QT prolongation (likely because of its multiple actions), bradycardia and hypotension |
| Chemical Pharmaceutics | — | structurally resembles thyroxine. |
| Class Group | Antiarrhythmic – |
Antiarrhythmic – |
| Indications Uses | used in AF and atrial flutter, SVT and in heart failure |
critical care for treating many arrythmias |
| Introduction | glycoside derived from the dried leaves of the foxglove Block Na-K-ATPase pump |
benzofuran derivative - 37% iodine by weight class III antiarrhythmic displays actions of all four classes. |
| Legacy Cicm Level | Level 1 |
Level 1 |
| Onset Peak Duration | onset / duration Oral: 1-2 hours; I.V.: 5-60 mins / 3-4 days |
onset / duration 2 days to 3 wks / 1 wk to 5 mon |
| Presentation | PO: tablets 62.5mcg or 250mcg. IV:25-250mcg/ml. |
tablets – 100/ 200mg. clear colourless solution 50mg/ml for inf. Therapeutic range (1-2.5mg/L) but monitoring rarely necessary |
| Route And Dose | IV/PO. |
doses PO 200mg TDS 1/52, BD 1/52, then OD |
| Special Points | — | Mainly due to its effects on CYP450 enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2D6) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) Increased Drug Levels: Additive Effects: Reduced Effectiveness: |
Past papers