Final answer:
Amiodarone is indicated for stable wide complex tachycardias, including ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia with aberrant conduction. It works by blocking potassium channels in the heart to restore a normal rhythm. Careful monitoring is necessary due to potential side effects and drug interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Amiodarone is indicated for different types of stable wide complex tachycardias. These include ventricular tachycardia (VT) and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with aberrant conduction. Amiodarone works by blocking potassium channels in the heart, which helps to slow down the heart rate and restore normal rhythm.
For VT, amiodarone is often used as a second-line treatment when other antiarrhythmic drugs have failed. It can be administered intravenously during acute episodes and orally for long-term maintenance. In cases of SVT with aberrant conduction, where the electrical signal takes an abnormal pathway in the heart, amiodarone can be effective in controlling the rapid heart rate and restoring a normal rhythm.
It's important to note that amiodarone has some potential side effects and requires careful monitoring due to its long half-life and potential drug interactions. Therefore, its use should be carefully evaluated and monitored by a healthcare professional.