Medication Basics
Generic Name: Amiodarone
Brand Name: Cordarone, Pacerone
Medication Class: Antiarrhythmic
Description
While the use of drugs to keep the heart in a normal electrical rhythm have generally fallen out of favor in recent years for some heart-rhythm disturbances, amiodarone is probably the most widely used antiarrhythmic drug due to its effectiveness and that it does not tend to cause dangerous heart rhythms as often as other heart-rhythm drugs. It does, however, carry a significant number of long-term adverse effects which may limit its use by prescribers. It can be used to keep the heart in normal rhythm for patients with both atrial and ventricular rhythm problems on a chronic basis.
When might my doctor prescribe this medication?
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Prevention or treatment of Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter
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Prevention or treatment of Ventricular Fibrillation/Tachycardia
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Prevention of shocks from an internal defibrillator
I should NOT take this medication if:
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I have a severe allergy to amiodarone or iodine
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I have problems with a slow heart rate and do NOT have a pacemaker
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I am pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant
Adverse Effects (common)
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Nausea and vomiting
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Sensitivity of the skin and eyes to sunlight
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Dizziness or difficulty with coordination
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Thyroid dysfunction
Adverse Effects (rare, but serious)
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Liver dysfunction
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Vision disturbances
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Lung toxicity
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Heart-rhythm disturbances (potentially life-threatening)
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Skin discoloration (blue or grey) (generally reversible)
Common Adult Doses and Forms
Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone): Generally 800-1600 mg per day for a period of time (highly variable – follow your doctor’s instructions) followed by 200-400 mg once daily
Dosage Forms:
Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) (tablet): 200 mg
How should I take this medication?
Amiodarone should be taken with food to minimize nausea. The use of sunscreen (SPF 30) and sunglasses (if needed) are recommended if outdoors as amiodarone increases the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Regular lung and eye checkups and blood tests for liver and thyroid function are needed to monitor for toxicity. Regular consumption of grapefruit juice is not recommended as it interferes with the body’s ability to eliminate the drug.
Please note that the content on CardioSmart is a summary of the most generally pertinent information about this drug but does not cover every side effect or precaution. However, everyone is unique, and the extent to which the information applies specifically to you should be a key point of discussion between you and your cardiologist or health care provider. The ultimate judgment regarding your care must be made by you and your healthcare provider together, in light of circumstances specific to you as a patient.
