Specimen Requirements
Title
Amiodarone (Cordarone), Includes N-desethylamiodarone
Specimen Requirement
1 Red Top/1.0 mL serum. After 30 minutes of clotting, promptly centrifuge and refrigerate.
Alternate: EDTA/Plasma
DO NOT COLLECT IN SST
Methodology
Stability
Room temp 48 hours;Refrigerated 14 days; Frozen 14 days
Reference Range
By report*
Turnaround
2-3 days Performed Mon, Wed, Fri
Clinical Use
Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic agent approved for the treatment of life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Because of potential toxicity the serum level of this drug should be monitored. Its major elimination is by hepatic excretion. Negligible renal excretion occurs. Use of the drug is restricted because of its many side effects, including pulmonary fibrosis, neuromuscular weakness, exacerbation of congestive heart failure, tremor, thyroid dysfunction, and interaction with other drugs. Potassium or magnesium deficiency should be corrected. AST and ALT should be monitored.
Test Code
AMIO