Intravenous amiodarone infusion causes significant arterial vasodilation and hypotension not seen with the oral formulation. The solvents polysorbate 80 and benzyl alcohol are thought to cause this hypotension. Slowing the infusion helps reduce this effect.

Cushing et al. The hypotensive effect of intravenous amiodarone is sustained throughout the maintenance infusion period. Clinical and experimental Pharmacology and Physiology. (2010) 37, 358-361.