Amiodarone vs. Lidocaine

[FFEMT1764]

Ok, I am wondering why the AHA is pushing Amiodarone now vs. Lidocaine...aside from the fact that the makers of Amiodarone gave AHA a huge donation in the part few years. Our director came to us from a service that uses Amiodarone and he feels that there isnt much pre-hospital difference in efficacy vs. Lidocaine...plus Amiodarone is much more expensive than Lidocaine. So I hope that maybe you guys can give me some example you may have run across in the field in your neck of the woods. As a note we are still currently using Lidocaine, but just was wondering.

[CaptainPanic]

C'mon you should know that the AHA will change their criteria for who ever is making the largest donation. Its politics and money making.

As for Lidocaine v. Amiodarone - I dont know enough about either of these drugs to make an educated guess except that our local EMS carries and uses Lidocaine.

[FFEMT1764]

I suspected that the $$ was the main reason for the change...but I am seeing a whole slew of people taking the amiodarone at home in tablet form...thats why I was wondering about the difference in the IV form vs the Lidocaine.

[Ridryder911]

Cordorone has been an antiarrythmic medication for several years. Way before AHA placed it in into the algorythm. I suggest looking at the AHA studies. More and more physicians are utilizing Amiadrone in V-tach, and ectopi with success. As with others there has not been much change in V-fib.

Although there has been rumors of contribution and monetary exchange, AHA has released a statement in regard of that and the fincancial funding as well.

I am quite aware of funding and influence, but also aware that close monitoring of studies as well.

Be safe.
R/R 911
RN,CCRN,CEN,CCEMT/P,NREMT/P & all the other vowels & still learning