Laboratory Medicine Program

Amiodarone
(Cordarone)

Clinical Decription:
Amiodarone is an anti-arrhythmic drug with unique pharmacological, therapeutic and pharmacokinetic properties. It is extremely effective in the treatment of both supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. However, because of its extensive side effect profiles, which include fatal pulmonary toxicity, it is reserved for patients in whom all other available drugs have failed. Absorption: The oral absorption of amiodarone is unpredictable. The time to peak concentration in plasma is usually 3 - 6 h, but may be delayed up to 12 h. Distribution: Amiodarone distributes extensively into tissues, with the largest amounts accumulating in adipose tissue, lung, liver, skeletal muscle, myocardium and the thyroid gland. Accumulation in tissues is very slow; as a result, steady state plasma concentrations are not achieved for weeks. It is generally accepted that the drug is highly bound to plasma proteins. Elimination: Renal elimination of amiodarone is < 1%. Amiodarone is metabolized to desethylamiodarone (DEA) which also accumulates in tissues. The elimination half life of amiodarone after a single oral dose has been reported to be as short as 3 h and as long as 25 d. The best estimate appears to be 25 days after I.V. dose and 50 days after chronic oral therapy.

Method: HPLC; HPLC

Component Tests Used: n/a

Reference Ranges Used:
1.0 - 2.0 mg/L

Specimen Type: serum
Volume: 3 mL mL (minimum: 1 mL)

Shipping: Frozen at -20C

Special Instructions: Optimum sampling time is trough just prior to next dose.

Testing Schedule(s): Please call

Turnaround Time: 5 days

For more information, call 416.340.5227 or 1.866.865.5227