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Published on: September 24, 2021
Anaphylactic shock due to intravenous amiodarone
İbrahim Halil Kurt1, Fatih Yalcin
1Department of Cardiology, Adana Numune Education and Research Hospital, 01330 Adana, Turkey. ibrahimhalilkurt@gmail.com
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|January 27, 2011
Summary
A rare case of anaphylactic shock occurred in a patient treated with amiodarone for atrial fibrillation. Prompt intervention with fluids, dopamine, and steroids resolved the severe reaction, highlighting the importance of drug allergy history.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response necessitates prompt treatment.
- Intravenous amiodarone is a common treatment for managing cardiac arrhythmias.
- Anaphylactic reactions to amiodarone are infrequently reported.
Observation:
- A patient developed severe hypotension, perspiration, and cyanosis during intravenous amiodarone infusion.
- The reaction was initially suspected as an allergic response to amiodarone or aspirin.
- Resuming amiodarone infusion led to worsening symptoms, necessitating immediate intervention.
Findings:
- The patient experienced anaphylactic shock attributed to amiodarone.
- Treatment with intravenous fluids, dopamine, and methylprednisolone successfully reversed the anaphylactic shock.
- The patient's condition improved significantly within 20 minutes of steroid administration.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider the rare possibility of amiodarone-induced anaphylactic shock.
- A thorough patient history of drug-mediated anaphylaxis is crucial before prescribing amiodarone.
- This case underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness when administering amiodarone, especially in patients with potential allergy risks.
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