The Interaction Between Epinephrine and Amiodarone

Every drug interacts differently with other drugs--sometimes with dangerous effects. This becomes especially important when drugs like epinephrine and amiodarone--both used in potentially life-threatening situations--are involved. Awareness of these potentially dangerous interactions is the first step in avoiding them.

Epinephrine

• Epinephrine works by narrowing the blood vessels and opening the airways to the lungs. It is commonly used to treat and prevent severe allergic reactions. Epinephrine can be used alone or in combination with other medications.

Amiodarone

• Amiodarone is used to regulate the heartbeat. It is prescribed in emergency situations for immediate resuscitation, such as in a surgical setting, as well as long-term to treat conditions such as ventricular fibrillation.

Interaction

• Drugs.com reports no interaction between amiodarone and ephedrine. However, reactions have been reported when amiodarone is administered in conjunction with epinephrine and local anesthetic combinations.

Epinephrine and Local Anesthetics

• Epinephrine can be combined with the local anesthetics etidocaine, lidocaine, and prilocaine. These anesthetics may negatively interact with amiodarone by producing "additive" cardiac effects, such as chest pain, heart block, irregular heartbeat, ECG abnormalities or cardiac arrest

Considerations

• Make sure all doctors involved in your care are aware of all the medications you are taking.