Nexterone (amiodarone hydrochloride) is an antiarrhythmic agent used for the treatment and prophylaxis of frequently recurring ventricular fibrillation (VF) and hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients who are refractory to other therapies. It is indicated for initiation of treatment and can also be used in patients who are unable to take oral medication. The recommended starting dose is about 1000 mg over the first 24 hours of therapy, delivered through a specific infusion regimen.
The dosage and administration for Nexterone include an initial load of 150 mg over 10 minutes, followed by a slower infusion of 360 mg over the next 6 hours, and then a maintenance infusion of 540 mg over the remaining 18 hours. After the first 24 hours, the maintenance infusion continues at a rate of 720 mg per 24-hour period. In cases of breakthrough VF or hemodynamically unstable VT, an additional 150 mg supplemental infusion over 10 minutes may be given.
Nexterone is supplied as a ready-to-use, sterile, nonpyrogenic, iso-osmotic solution in 100 mL and 200 mL single-dose GALAXY containers. It is available in concentrations of 1.5 mg/mL (150 mg/100 mL) and 1.8 mg/mL (360 mg/200 mL) premixed in dextrose. The solution should be protected from light and excessive heat and not frozen.
