Which monitoring requirement for amiodarone is incorrect?

• A. Liver function tests before treatment and then every 3 months
• B. ECG baseline and periodic
• C. Chest X-ray baseline and periodically
• D. Heart rate and blood pressure monitoring

Answer: (A)

Monitoring for amiodarone covers how it can affect the liver, lungs, heart rhythm, and blood pressure. Liver function tests should be done before starting treatment and then monitored periodically, but not typically every three months. The usual approach is baseline LFTs and then periodic checks around every six months, or sooner if there are symptoms or abnormal results. This reflects the risk of hepatotoxicity while avoiding overly frequent testing that isn’t routinely required.

Baseline and periodic ECGs are important because amiodarone can alter conduction and rhythm, so checking the electrical activity of the heart helps catch bradyarrhythmias or QT changes. A baseline chest X-ray and subsequent periodic imaging gauge for pulmonary toxicity, such as interstitial pneumonitis, which is a known risk with amiodarone. Finally, watching heart rate and blood pressure is essential since the drug can cause bradycardia and hypotension in some patients.

So the statement about liver tests every three months isn’t aligned with common monitoring recommendations; the others describe appropriate baseline and ongoing checks.