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Generic Name : Amiodarone
Pronunciation : A-mi-OH-da-rone
Therapeutic Classification : antiarrhythmics
Trade Name(s):
India- Aldarone Inj, Amiodar Tab, Amiodon Inj, Biodaron Tab, Cardasol Amp, Cardichek Inj, Cordarone Inj, Cordarone Tab, Cordarone X Amp, Cordarone X Tab, Duron Inj, Duron Tab, Eurythmic Amp, Eurythmic Tab, Panaron Tab, Ritebeat Tab, Ritebeat Vial, Tachyra Tab. International- Cordarone and Pacerone. This medication is used to treat life-threatening irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and to maintain a normal heart rate in patients who have not responded to other medications. It is an antiarrhythmic drug. When it is not to be taken (Contraindications):
When it is to be taken : Oral:Ventricular arrhythmias- Adult: 800-1,600 mg/day in 1-2 divided doses for 1-3 week until initial therapeutic response is achieved then reduce dose to 600-800 mg/day in 1-2 divided doses for 1 month. Maintenance: 400 mg/day; lower doses may be used for supraventricular arrhythmias. Close monitoring of the patient is recommended. Use the minimum effective dose. Liver impairment: Dosage reduction may be necessary. IV Recommended starting dose is approximately 1,000 mg over the first 24 h administered as follows: rapid administration of 150 mg over first 10 min (15 mg/min), followed by 360 mg over next 6 h (1mg/min), then 540 mg over remaining 18 h (0.5 mg/min). After first 24 h, continue maintenance infusion rate of 0.5 mg/min (720 mg/24 h). How it should be taken : It comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. (Take consistently with or without meals. Take with meals if high dose or to reduce GI discomfort.). Injection administered into the vein by a health care provider. Special Instruction : * Close monitoring is recommended as AMIODARONE may worsen arrhythmia especially when used concurrently with other anti-arrhythmic drugs or drugs that prolong QT interval. * Corneal refractive laser surgery is not recommended in patients on amiodarone treatment. * It may cause hypotension and slow heart beat, increase risk of liver toxicity, visual disturbance/impairment; lung damage; monitor for pulmonary toxicity e.g. acute respiratory distress syndrome. * Monitor liver functions regularly. * It may affect defibrillation or pacing thresholds of cardiac devices. * Correct electrolyte imbalance before starting treatment. * Caution when used in patients undergoes surgery, hepatic impairment, thyroid disease, elderly, breast feeding. Side Effects : Heart- Abnormal heart rhythm, heart failure, heart attack, low blood pressure, sinus arrest. Central Nervous System- Abnormal gait/ lack of coordination, dizziness, fatigue, uneasiness, tingling, tremor/abnormal involuntary movement, headache, sleep disturbances, confusion, delirium, disorientation, pseudotumor cerebri( increased pressure inside the skull). Skin- Sensitivity to sunlight, flushing, redness, severe allergic reactions, itching, blue-gray discoloration, skin cancer. Eye and ENT- Visual disturbances, abnormal smell sensation, ringing in the ears, may lead to blindness. Gastrointestinal- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, abdominal pain, abnormal salivation, abnormal taste, inflammation of pancreas. Genitourinary- Acute kidney failure, inflammation of testis, impotence, decreased sexual activities. Blood- Blood clot abnormalities, anemia, and decrease in blood cells. Liver- Abnormal liver function tests, liver disorders, jaundice. Local- Swelling, redness, necrosis, pain, inflammation , blood clot. Musculoskeletal- Muscle weakness, muscle pain, muscle damage. Respiratory- Cough, difficulty in breathing, lung infiltrates, wheezing, lung inflammation, fibrosis. Miscellaneous- It may cause severe allergic reactions, leg swelling , fever and increased secretion of antidiuretic hormone. It interferes with thyroid function and may increase or decrease thyroid hormone levels. * Avoid excessive sunlight exposure due to increased risk of photosensitivity Storage Conditions : Injection: Store at 15-25°C. Store it in airtight container and keep away from children. |
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