Amiodarone

• Rhythm disorders of the heart.
• Rapid and abnormal heart rhythms (Tachyarrhythmias) that are associated with electrical pathway abnormalities (Wolf-Parkinson-White (WPW syndrome)).
• Rapid and regular heartbeats (Atrial Flutter) or fast and irregular heartbeats (Atrial Fibrillation).
• Sudden and violent, rapid, abnormal heartbeats (Paroxysmal Tachyarrhythmias), when there are no other alternatives that originate in the ventricles (ventricular), above the ventricles (supraventricular), from the sinoatrial node or atrioventricular node (nodal tachycardia - nodes are small areas of heart muscle that control the heartbeat) and rapid, erratic heartbeats which is usually life-threatening (ventricular fibrillation).
• Use with caution.
• Medicines that can lengthen heartbeats (Clarithromycin, Ciprofloxacin).
• Medicines used for heart diseases and high blood pressure (Propranolol, Diltiazem, Verapamil, Digoxin, Flecainide) for constipation (Bisacodyl, Senna), and to lower cholesterol (Simvastatin, Atorvastatin).
• Amphotericin (antifungal), immunosuppressants (Hydrocortisone, Betamethasone, Prednisolone, Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus), anaesthesia medicines (Midazolam, Lidocaine, Fentanyl), Ergotamine (for migraine), Colchicine (for gout) and blood thinning agents (Warfarin, Dabigatrine).

When should one not use Amiodarone

• Allergy to Amiodarone or its components or Iodine.
• History or signs of severe allergic reactions such as swelling of face, lips, throat, or tongue with swallowing or breathing problems and with or without rashes, itching.
• Slow heart rate (Bradycardia), due to blockage of signals from one of the heart nodes (sinoatrial heart block). Nodes are areas in the heart which control heartbeat.
• Similar problems with your nodes and you do not have a pacemaker (an artificial device that is used to replace heart nodes).
• Past or present thyroid problems.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin), feeling sick, decreased hunger, pain the stomach, or high temperature (signs of liver damage).
• Breathing difficulty, chest tightness, cough, wheeze (whistling sound while breathing), weight loss, fever (signs of lung disease, can be severe).
• Irregular or erratic heartbeats (uncommon, but serious) – requires immediate medical attention.
• Severe allergic reactions such as swelling of face, lips, throat or tongue with swallowing or breathing problems, even with or without rashes, itching, blistering or peeling of skin, fever, chills, high temperature, increased liver enzymes in blood test (angioedema or toxic epidermal necrolysis – can be severe, but rare).

Other General Warnings

• Heart, liver, or lung problems (asthma)
• Vision problems (including due to damaged optic nerve - optic neuritis)
• Elderly patients
• Any artificial inserted devices in the heart (pacemaker – which controls heart rate, Implantable Cardioverted Defibrillator (ICD) – a device which detects any abnormal heart rate or rhythm)
• Allergic skin reactions

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Medicines used to correct heart rhythm abnormalities (Sotalol, Quinidine, Procainamide, Disopyramide, or Bretylium).
• Anti-infectives (injectable Erythromycin, Cotrimoxazole, Moxifloxacin or Pentamidine).
• Medicines used to treat mental or behavioural disorders (Thioridazine, Chlorpromazine, Fluphenazine, Haloperidol, Pimozide, Amisulpiride, Lithium, Doxepin, Maprotiline, Sertindole,
• or Amitriptyline).
• Anti- malarials (Guinine, Mefloquine, Chloroquine or Halofantrine).
• Anti-allergics (Terfenadine, Astemizole or Mizolastine).
• Hepatitis C medications (Sofosbuvir, Simeprevir, Daclatasvir, or Ledispasvir).

Interactions with food items

Overdose

Missed a Dose