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?
- Bradycardia or slow heartbeat
- Sick sinus syndrome or an abnormal heart rhythm but are not treating it with a pacemaker- amiodarone is not recommended for patients with this condition
- Heart disease such as congestive heart failure
- Hypokalemia or low potassium in your blood
- Hypotension or low blood pressure
What are the side effects of stopping amiodarone?
Amiodarone may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Exposed skin may turn blue-gray and may not return to normal even after you stop taking this medication. you should know that amiodarone may cause vision problems including permanent blindness.
Does amiodarone cause low heart rate?
Does amiodarone drip lower heart rate? The infusion of amiodarone (242 +/- 137 mg over 1 hour) was associated with a decrease in heart rate by 37 +/- 8 beats/min and an increase in systolic blood pressure of 24 +/- 6 mm Hg. Both of these changes were significantly improved (p <0.05) from onset of rapid heart rate or during conventional therapy.
What are the serious side effects of amiodarone?
AdvertisementCough.dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.fever (slight)numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes.painful breathing.sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.trembling or shaking of the hands.trouble with walking.More items...•
What should be avoided while taking amiodarone?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the side effects of amiodarone by increasing the amount of this medicine in your body. You should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor.
Why would a patient be prescribed amiodarone?
Descriptions. 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 is a common side effect of amiodarone?
Amiodarone may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Exposed skin may turn blue-gray and may not return to normal even after you stop taking this medication. you should know that amiodarone may cause vision problems including permanent blindness.
How long can a person take amiodarone?
Toxicity can occur at any time during the course of treatment. Those at the greatest risk are patients who have taken a daily dose of 400 mg or more for more than two months, or a lower dose, commonly 200 mg daily, for more than two years.
Who should not take amiodarone?
Amiodarone may cause toxic side effects to your lungs and may even be fatal. For people with liver disease. Use amiodarone with caution if you have liver disease, such as cirrhosis or liver damage. These conditions may cause amiodarone to build up in your body and be toxic to your liver.
How long does it take for amiodarone to stop AFIB?
Some effects may be seen after two to three days; however, it normally takes between one and three weeks of regular dosing for the full effects of amiodarone to be seen, even with a loading dose.
Is amiodarone a last resort?
Amiodarone is a drug of last resort and that's according to the FDA. Patients who take this drug should have exhausted every other treatment possibility.” See also the website: AmiodaroneToxicity: The Drug Amiodarone Is a Deadly Killer.
What organs does amiodarone affect?
Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication that can adversely effect various organs including lungs, thyroid gland, liver, eyes, skin, and nerves. The risk of adverse effects increases with high doses and prolonged use.
When is the best time to take amiodarone?
You can take amiodarone either before or after meals. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose). Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
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.
Does amiodarone affect blood pressure?
Does amiodarone affect the 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. This becomes more prominent when given in combination with medications used to treat hypertension and cardiac disorders.
Can you drink coffee while on amiodarone?
Cigarettes and beverages that contain caffeine may increase the irritability of your heart and interfere with the action of amiodarone. Always have enough of this medication on hand. Check your supply before vacations, holidays, and other times when you may be unable to get more medication.
Can you take vitamin D with amiodarone?
Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between amiodarone and Vitamin D3. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
What should I eat when taking amiodarone?
amiodarone food Amiodarone may be taken with or without food but should be taken at the same way each time.
Can I exercise while taking amiodarone?
In conclusion, chronic amiodarone therapy significantly decreases heart rate at rest and during exercise without altering systolic blood pressure and functional capacity.
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?
Amiodarone affects the rhythm of your heartbeats. It 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).
What other drugs will affect amiodarone?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
How long does it take for amiodarone to clear?
Amiodarone takes a long time to completely clear from your body. Drug interactions are possible for up to several months after you stop using amiodarone. Talk to your doctor before taking any medication during this time. Keep track of how long it has been since your last dose of amiodarone.
Does amiodarone cause swelling?
Amiodarone side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to amiodarone: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Amiodarone takes a long time to completely clear from your body.
Can you take Amiodarone if you have AV block?
Before taking this medicine. You should not use amiodarone if you have: a serious heart condition called "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree), unless you have a pacemaker; a history of slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint; or. if your heart cannot pump blood properly.
Can grapefruit interact with amiodarone?
Your reactions could be impaired. Grapefruit may interact with amiodarone and lead to unwanted side effects.
Does amiodarone affect your heart?
Amiodarone can cause dangerous side effects on your heart, liver, lungs, or vision.
What is amiodarone 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 is the name of the drug that slows the heart?
Amiodarone belongs to the group of medicines known as antiarrhythmics. It works directly on the heart tissue and will slow the nerve impulses in the heart. This helps keep your heart rhythm normal.
Is there a study on the effect of age on amiodarone?
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of amiodarone in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Does amiodarone cause a change in skin color?
After you have taken this medicine for a long time, it may cause a blue-gray color to appear on your skin, especially in areas exposed to the sun, such as your face, neck, and arms. This color will usually fade after treatment with amiodarone has ended, although it may take several months. Check with your doctor if this color change occurs.
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 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.
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.
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.
Can amiodarone be used for thyroid?
For people with liver disease. Use amiodarone with caution if you have liver disease, such as cirrhosis or liver damage. These conditions may cause amiodarone to build up in your body and be toxic to your liver. For people with thyroid disease.
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:
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?
Amiodarone belongs to class III of antiarrhythmic medications, which are also known as potassium channel blockers. Amiodarone can be taken orally or through injection to prevent or treat medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest and arrhythmias. As amiodarone can decrease excitability of the cardiac cell, it is considered quite a versatile medication.
How does amiodarone work?
Amiodarone decreases the heart’s ability to respond to unwanted electrical stimuli, which—left unaddressed—may cause an irregular heartbeat.
What are the side effects of amiodarone?
The most common adverse effects of amiodarone include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, bluish-grey discoloration of the skin, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, liver disease, and photosensitivity. In addition, amiodarone can often deposit in the cornea (transparent outer covering of the eye), making it appear translucent or opaque. Fortunately, this side effect is reversible once the medication is stopped and may not cause any significant vision problems.
What should be avoided when taking amiodarone?
Individuals taking amiodarone should not consume alcohol or smoke cannabis while taking amiodarone, as it may cause symptoms such as dizziness and drowsiness. Individuals should also be advised against consuming grapefruit, as this can interfere with the metabolism of amiodarone, allowing it to accumulate in the body, which in turn may increase its side effects.
How long can you take amiodarone?
Amiodarone can be taken for as long as advised by a medical practitioner, and should be continued only under their guidance, as it may require monitoring of blood values and other parameters for organ damage at least every six months. If symptoms of arrhythmia recede, dosage may be tapered to a lower dose of amiodarone, and might even be stopped under the guidance of a certified medical practitioner such as a doctor or pharmacist.
What are the most important facts to know about amiodarone?
However, it is known to interfere with other medications, and it can be highly toxic to several organs. To monitor for potential organ damage, individuals taking amiodarone should run routine tests every six months. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, corneal deposits, skin discoloration, photosensitivity hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, and liver disease. In addition, it may rarely cause optic or peripheral neuropathy, memory loss, and confusion. Individuals taking amiodarone should avoid consuming grapefruit, alcohol, and cannabis. Finally, amiodarone must be avoided in pregnancy or breastfeeding .
Does amiodarone cause shortness of breath?
Long-term usage of amiodarone can cause pulmonary toxicity or severe damage to the lungs, resulting in dry cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Amiodarone can also affect the heart, leading to sinus bradycardia, as well as arrhythmias such as AV block and QT prolongation. A rare, but more severe, side effect of amiodarone is optic ...
What Are the Common Amiodarone Side Effects?
All medications have the possibility of side effects. Some of the most common side effects are listed below.
What Are the Potential Long Term Side Effects of Amiodarone?
These risks increase for patients who use the medication for a long time or who need high doses to control their heart rhythm.
How Long Do the Side Effects of Amiodarone Last?
Amiodarone has a very long half life (the time it takes the body to eliminate half of the drug that is in the body).
What Is Amiodarone?
Amiodarone was created by Sanofi Pharmaceuticals and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 12/24/1985.
What Should Be Avoided When Taking Amiodarone?
There are several things to avoid when taking amiodarone. These precautions help to lower the risk of experiencing unwanted effects. Here are some of the most common.
What is the best medication for AFIB?
One very commonly used medication is amiodarone. Amiodarone has been around for quite some time. It's a very effective medication for AFib, but it does carry some elevated risks of side effects as well as toxicity ...
What is flecainide used for?
Read more about the many uses of flecainide in the management of atrial fibrillation including the pill in pcoket technique. Learn more about the benefits and side effects of this commonly used AFib medication.
