Pulmonary Fibrosis: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

The answer is A. Amiodarone

Amiodarone is known for its potential to cause several serious side effects, including fatal pulmonary fibrosis. This side effect is particularly concerning due to its insidious onset and progressive nature, which can occur even at therapeutic doses and after discontinuation of the drug.

Incorrect Answer Explanations:

B. Verapamil – This drug is a calcium channel blocker, not typically associated with pulmonary fibrosis. Verapamil is more commonly linked to cardiovascular effects like hypotension and bradycardia.

C. Lidocaine – Used primarily for the management of ventricular arrhythmias, lidocaine is not associated with pulmonary fibrosis. Its side effects are more likely to involve the central nervous system, such as seizures or confusion, especially at high doses.

D. Sotalol – Although sotalol can cause serious side effects like torsades de pointes due to its beta-blocking and potassium channel blocking effects, it is not linked to pulmonary fibrosis.

E. Flecainide – As a Class IC antiarrhythmic, flecainide is used to treat severe tachyarrhythmias but is not known to cause pulmonary fibrosis. Its major risks include exacerbation of existing arrhythmias and potential proarrhythmia in patients with structural heart disease.