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Amiodarone-Induced Life-Threatening Refractory Hypotension

Deepak Doshi, Ravi Jayawardana

(Director of Medical Service, Roma Hospital, Roma, QLD, Australia)

Am J Case Rep 2015; 16:617-620

DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.893920

BACKGROUND: Amiodarone is frequently used in emergency departments for treatment of arrhythmias. Incidence of several amiodarone-related adverse events is unknown. The literature is sparse for potentially life-threatening adverse effects of amiodarone.
CASE REPORT: We present a case of a male patient who presented with chest discomfort and rapid atrial fibrillation. He was known to have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, which did not respond to initial beta-blocker treatment. The second-line drug amiodarone was given to the patient for rate control. He developed severe hypotension related to amiodarone and required inotropic support along with rapid-sequence intubation.
CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous amiodarone can cause severe and refractory hypotension.

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