amiodorone

[logisticsmanager]

We have recently started carrying amiodorone on our rigs and there has been some discussion that a 19ga filter needle won't be adequate for administering this drug. What are you guys using? Anything other than 19ga seems impossible to find....thanks.

[N2DFire]

O.K. - maybe it's just me, but I'm missing something here.

We have been carrying amiodarone for a year now, but I have yet had occasion to give it in the field.

Also, Please bear in mind that our entire "In Service" for a whole new set of protocols, new Med Kit, and New drugs (including amiodarone, adenosine, diphenhydramine, methylprednisolone, and ranitidine) consisted of 1 lecture which went far less than the scheduled 8 hours.

So my question is - exactly what is the problem w/ the 19ga Filter needle ??

Please elaborate on how you are supplied the drug (I'm assuming in a glass ampule), and your exact procedure for drawing & administering.

Sorry I haven't been more help.

Take Care - Stay Safe
Stephen
FF/Paramedic

[Trauma_Dog]

I have given it in both 18ga and 21ga needles w/o any problems. Why the filter needle? Basically I am unfimilar with these.

I am told the only interaction with the drug is long term exsposure to plastics and drips lasting longer than one hour be placed in glass instead of plastic.

------------------
Kent Simon
Paramedic Incharge
MCHD EMS,
Montgomery Co.,TX

[N3UEA]

Our CCU uses filtered IV lines to reduce the incidence of phlibitis (SP?)& also flitered needles for the same reason when giving it IV push. http://www.firehouse.com/forums/smile.gif

[medic3401]

If I remember correctly, a filter needle is used to filter out any small glass particles that would come from breaking the ampule open.

[lennyr8]

I have used Cordarone twice in the field. What I have found is that as soon as the drug hits the plastic of the syringe it begins to thicken. I wouldn't use a filter straw for that reason. It also forms bubbles in the syringe. It really is difficult to use. I didn't have a rhythm change in either case.

[firemedic110]

Originally posted by logisticsmanager:
We have recently started carrying amiodorone on our rigs and there has been some discussion that a 19ga filter needle won't be adequate for administering this drug. What are you guys using? Anything other than 19ga seems impossible to find....thanks.

[firemedic110]

FYI: that needle is adequate for slowly withdrawing the med from the ampule to keep glass out of the syringe, but not intended for administration, you'd just be putting the glass shards in the patient. After using the filtered needle replace it with a 18 or 20ga normal needle.

[fdmedic]

There are several things to know about amiodorone. First the reason behind using the filter is because of the drug iteraction with the plastic and the plunger, so it is needed to filter it out. Second the drug is a detergant based and will foam up on you if pushed to fast, if administered IV do 10 min slow push (this is by ACLS)
hope this helps