Amiodarone dosing.

Cardiac arrest (VF / pulseless VT)

• First dose: 300 mg IV/IO push.
• Second dose: 150 mg IV/IO push (for recurrent VF/pVT).
• Given after epi and defibrillation in the ACLS algorithm.

Stable ventricular tachycardia

• Loading: 150 mg IV over 10 minutes.
• May repeat 150 mg every 10 minutes as needed.
• Max 2.2 g in 24 hours.

Maintenance drip

• First 6 hours: 1 mg/min (360 mg total).
• Next 18 hours: 0.5 mg/min (540 mg total).
• Total 24-hour max: 2.2 g.

Pediatric dosing

• Arrest: 5 mg/kg IV/IO bolus, may repeat ×2 (max single dose 300 mg).
• Perfusing rhythm: 5 mg/kg IV over 20–60 minutes.

Frequently asked

What is the amiodarone dose in cardiac arrest?

300 mg IV/IO push for the first dose in refractory VF/pulseless VT (after epi and defibrillation). A second dose of 150 mg IV/IO can be given for recurrent or persistent arrest.

What is the dose for stable VT?

150 mg IV over 10 minutes, may repeat as needed to a max of 2.2 g in 24 hours. Follow with a maintenance drip.

What is the amiodarone drip rate?

1 mg/min for the first 6 hours, then 0.5 mg/min for the next 18 hours (max 2.2 g/24h).

What are the key side effects?

Hypotension and bradycardia (rate-related — slow the infusion). Long-term: pulmonary fibrosis, thyroid dysfunction, hepatotoxicity. Not an EMS concern acutely.