Amiodarone--an investigative drug in the coronary care unit

Amiodarone is an investigative antiarrhythmic drug in the United States. However, it has been used successfully in European countries for the past 14 years. Amiodarone is effective in the long-term management of resistant supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. Although a very useful addition to the antiarrhythmic drugs currently in use, it has potential side effects that have delayed its acceptance by the Food and Drug Administration. The consensus of opinion among the clinical investigators of amiodarone is that it will be released for limited clinical use in the near future. Cardiovascular nurses involved in the design, coordination, and conduction of clinical investigations need to be vigilant in objectively monitoring and documenting both the potential efficacy and possible adverse effects of all interventions in research subjects.