Precautions
Amiodarone is so dangerous that the FDA requires a separate warning from whatever instructions or warnings the physician may give. The drug must also be accompanied by a medication guide. Simply because a drug becomes generic doesn’t change things.
Is amiodarone a dangerous drug?
The FDA has made it clear that this drug should only be prescribed for life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities such as recurrent ventricular fibrillation. Amiodarone side effects can be life threatening. The drug can cause serious lung toxicity. It can also harm the liver and the thyroid gland.
How dangerous is amiodarone?
Patients taking amiodarone to regulate their heart may experience side effects including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Constipation and digestive issues
- Tremors
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty walking
- Weakness and fatigue
- Sleeping issues
How long can you safely take amiodarone?
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- asthma or another lung disorder;
- liver disease;
- a thyroid disorder;
- vision problems;
- high or low blood pressure;
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood); or
- if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted in your chest.
Why am I taking amiodarone?
See more
What should be avoided while taking amiodarone?
You should avoid consuming grapefruits and grapefruit juice while taking amiodarone. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. Grapefruit can raise the levels of amiodarone in your body and lead to dangerous side effects.
What is amiodarone 200 mg tablet used for?
Amiodarone is used to treat life-threatening heart rhythm problems called ventricular arrhythmias. This medicine is used in patients who have already been treated with other medicines that did not work well.
What are the side effects of amiodarone 200 mg?
The most common side effects that can occur with amiodarone oral tablet include:nausea.vomiting.fatigue.tremor.lack of coordination.constipation.insomnia.headache.More items...
What does amiodarone do to the body?
Amiodarone (Cordarone) is used to treat and prevent an irregular heartbeat. It slows down nerve activity in the heart and relaxes an overactive heart.
Is amiodarone a safe drug?
CONCLUSION: Amiodarone, as part of a strategy to achieve and maintain sinus rhythm, appears to be safe and effective in patients with persistent AF. However, some patients may not tolerate the adverse effects of this agent.
Does amiodarone lower heart rate and blood pressure?
Amiodarone can also decrease blood pressure, slow heart rate, and—at higher doses or with long-term use—even cause arrhythmias of its own.
Is 200 mg of amiodarone a lot?
Low-dose amiodarone (100-300 mg per day) is effective for a wide variety of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias, including as part of a rhythm control strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation, especially when structural heart disease is present.
Does amiodarone affect sleep?
Neurologic side effects were reported in 20-40% of patients, at times associated with tremor, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, malaise or fatigue, sleep disturbances, dizziness, and headaches.
Why have I been prescribed amiodarone?
Amiodarone is used to treat or prevent heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation. It can be used to treat patients in hospital, especially after heart surgery to prevent atrial fibrillation.
Is amiodarone a blood thinner?
"Amiodarone is a common and effective drug used to normalize irregular heart rhythm caused by atrial fibrillation," Flaker said. "However, because clotting is a complication associated with the condition, an anticoagulant or blood thinner is frequently used to reduce that possibility.
Can amiodarone cause heart failure?
Amiodarone's pharmacodynamics, with an exceedingly large distribution volume leading to accumulation in the myocardium, may also play a part. Bradyarrhythmias could ensue, leading to sudden cardiac death in advanced heart failure.
Is amiodarone safe for the elderly?
Due to its long-term side effects, oral amiodarone as a rate control agent is avoided in younger patients but should be considered in the elderly, especially if they are refractory to other medications. It has less frequent side effects in terms of pro-arrhythmia, bradycardia or hypotension.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to amiodarone or iodine, or if you have: 1. a serious heart condition called "AV block" (2nd o...
How Should I Take Amiodarone?
Take amiodarone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smal...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of amiodarone can be fatal.Overdose symptoms may inclu...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Amiodarone?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with amiodarone and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking t...
Amiodarone Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Arrhythmias:IV:Initial dose: 1000 mg over the first 24 hours of therapy, delivered by the following infusion regimen:-Loading...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Amiodarone?
Amiodarone takes a long time to completely clear from your body. Drug interactions are possible for up to several months after you stop using this...
What is amiodarone used for?
Amiodarone is used to treat heart rate problems that are life threatening. It’s usually given when other drugs haven’t worked.
How old do you have to be to take Amiodarone?
The safety and effectiveness of amiodarone have not been established in people under the age of 18 years.
How long does amiodarone stay in your system?
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant, even if you’re stopping treatment with amiodarone. This drug can stay in your body for months after treatment has stopped. For women who are breastfeeding. Amiodarone may pass through breast milk and cause serious effects in a breastfeeding child.
What is a class of drugs?
A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. Amiodarone treats and prevents abnormal heartbeats by working inside cells to control muscle contractions in the heart. This helps your heart beat normally.
Is amiodarone a generic drug?
Amiodarone oral tablet is available as a generic drug and as a brand-name drug. Brand name: Pacerone. Amiodarone is also available as a solution for injection. You may start with the oral tablet in the hospital and continue to take the tablet at home. In rare cases, your doctor may start you with the injection at the hospital and give you ...
Can amiodarone cause irregular heart rate?
Taking certain antibiotics with amiodarone may cause an irregular heart rate. Examples of these drugs include:
Does amiodarone cause side effects?
Amiodarone side effects. Amiodarone can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking amiodarone. This list does not include all possible side effects. For more information on the possible side effects of amiodarone, or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, ...
What is the purpose of amiodarone?
Amiodarone is used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with life-threatening heart rhythm disorders of the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart). Amiodarone is used to treat ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.
Can you eat grapefruit while taking Amiodarone?
Beside above, what should be avoided when taking amiodarone? You should avoid eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking amiodarone. Grapefruit juice slows down how quickly the body is able to break down the medication, which could cause amiodarone levels in the blood to rise dangerously high.
What is Amiodarone used for?
This medication is used to treat certain types of serious (possibly fatal) irregular heartbeat (such as persistent ventricular fibrillation/ tachycardia ). It is used to restore normal heart rhythm and maintain a regular, steady heartbeat. Amiodarone is known as an anti-arrhythmic drug. It works by blocking certain electrical signals in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat.
How to report amiodarone side effects in Canada?
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Precautions. See also Side Effects section. Before taking amiodarone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to iodine; or if you have any other allergies.
How long does it take for amiodarone to work?
Amiodarone may take 2 weeks or longer to have an effect in your body. Also, this drug stays in your body for weeks to months, even after you are no longer taking it. Therefore, serious side effects may occur weeks to months after taking amiodarone. Serious side effects may include lung or liver problems.
Does amiodarone cause thyroid problems?
Amiodarone may rarely cause thyroid problems. Either low thyroid function or overactive thyroid function may occur. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any symptoms of low or overactive thyroid, including cold or heat intolerance, unexplained weight loss /gain, thinning hair, unusual sweating, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, or lump/growth in the front of the neck ( goiter ).
Can you get pregnant while taking amiodarone?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using amiodarone.
Are you currently using Amiodarone HCL?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.
What is Amiodarone used for?
It is used to restore normal heart rhythm and maintain a regular, steady heartbeat. Amiodarone is known as an anti-arrhythmic drug.
What is the generic name for Amiodarone?
Generic name: Amiodarone - oral. Pronunciation. (A-mee-OH-da-rone) Brand name (s) Cordarone , Pacerone. Warning. Though this medication often gives great benefits to people with irregular heartbeat, it may rarely worsen an irregular heartbeat or cause serious (sometimes fatal) side effects. When starting treatment with this drug, your doctor may ...
How does amiodarone work?
Amiodarone is known as an anti-arrhythmic drug. It works by blocking certain electrical signals in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat. How to use. Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using amiodarone and each time you get a refill.
What medications can affect the removal of amiodarone from the body?
Examples include azole antifungals (such as itraconazole), cimetidine, cobicistat, protease inhibitors (such as fosamprenavir, indinavir), rifamycins ( such as rifampin), saquinavir, St. John's wort, among others.
How long does it take for amiodarone to work?
Amiodarone may take 2 weeks or longer to have an effect in your body. Also, this drug stays in your body for weeks to months, even after you are no longer taking it. Therefore, serious side effects may occur weeks to months after taking amiodarone. Serious side effects may include lung or liver problems.
Can amiodarone cause allergic reactions?
Before taking amiodarone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to iodine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Does amiodarone cause thyroid problems?
Amiodarone may rarely cause thyroid problems. Either low thyroid function or overactive thyroid function may occur. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any symptoms of low or overactive thyroid, including cold or heat intolerance, unexplained weight loss/gain, thinning hair, unusual sweating, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, or lump/growth in the front of the neck (goiter).
What is the purpose of amiodarone?
Amiodarone is used to treat life-threatening heart rhythm problems called ventricular arrhythmias. This medicine is used in patients who have already been treated with other medicines that did not work well. Amiodarone belongs to the group of medicines known as antiarrhythmics.
What is amiodarone (Pacerone)?
Amiodarone (Pacerone) is an antiarrhythmic. It works by blocking various receptors and channels in your heart, which play a major part in your heart's electrical activity. Amiodarone (Pacerone) slows down the electrical activity to help your heartbeat stay in a normal 'sinus' rhythm.
What are the risks and warnings for amiodarone (Pacerone)?
Amiodarone (Pacerone) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options
How much does amiodarone (Pacerone) cost?
Amiodarone (Pacerone) is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
How long does amiodarone last?
Amiodarone (Pacerone) can last in the body for many weeks, which means side effects can potentially last for a very long time after you stop taking this medication. If you think you are experiencing any side effects, it's best to contact your provider right away so that you catch it before it becomes too serious. It's best to let your providers know that you were on this medication, even if you have been off of it for awhile.
What is the name of the drug that makes your heart beat?
Amiodarone. Generic Pacerone, Cordarone. AMIODARONE is an antiarrhythmic drug. It helps make your heart beat regularly. Because of the side effects caused by this medicine, it is only used when other medicines have not worked. It is usually used for heartbeat problems that may be life threatening.
Does amiodarone cause weight gain?
Amiodarone (Pacerone) can cause weight gain. One of the possible side effects of this medication is low thyroid function, which can cause you to gain weight due to body fat. Amiodarone (Pacerone) can also cause edema, which is excess fluid under the skin; if edema is significant, you can be heavier from the excess water in your body.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Is amiodarone safe?
Low-dose Amiodarone Is Safe: A Systematic Review and Meta- analysis. Amiodarone is commonly used for a variety of arrhythmias and, in some parts of the world, is the only available antiarrhythmic drug (AAD). Yet, amiodarone is known to have a wide range of potential side effects, many of which are dose- and duration-dependent.
Is amiodarone a dose dependent drug?
Yet, amiodarone is known to have a wide range of potential side effects, many of which are dose- and duration- dependent. We sought to study the incidence of side …. Amiodarone is commonly used for a variety of arrhythmias and, in some parts of the world, is the only available antiarrhythmic drug (AAD). Yet, amiodarone is known to have ...
Is amiodarone an antiarrhythmic?
Amiodarone is commonly used for a variety of arrhythmias and, in some parts of the world, is the only available antiarrhythmic drug (AAD). Yet, amiodarone is known to have a wide range of potential side effects, many of which are dose- and duration-dependent. We sought to study the incidence of side effects leading to the discontinuation ...
