IV Amiodarone extravasation

[WAheartnurse]

I have noticed that many of our patients that receive amiodarone in a peripheral line have extravasation problems. A lot of patients. I have no ideas on numbers- I asked if we could track it to find out if it was worth making it a central line drug but that was not feasible. BTW it was diluted and given per pharmacy protocols so it was not like we were trying to give it too fast or too strong.

What is your experience?

Many of our patients had to have repeat lines inserted or the amiodarone stopped due to vein problems. Nasty, painful arms from extravasation- nothing permanent but just painful and often changed the course of treatment.

[cardiacfreak, ADN]

I have done research on IV amiodarone since posting prior, it seems we are not using evidence based practice at my facility so I plan to bring it to the attention of our Shared Governance Committee to try to change policy. A nurses work is never done.

[runningcrazy]

Nice work cardiacfreak! This is awesome and way to be proactive!!

[tcvnurse, BSN, RN]

We give amio boluses all the time through peripheral IVs in our step down unit. However, we give the bolus over 30 min, not ten. We only do the 10 minute thing in the CVICU. Had more problems with nausea from amio than it infiltrating. (Well, that and the lung toxicity.)