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Amiodarone - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Amiodarone

Generic Name : Amiodarone
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Amiodarone are provided here.

Pronunciation : A-mi-OH-da-rone

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Amiodarone, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


ICD Code : Y52.2 Therapeutic Classification : Antiarrhythmics

Trade Names/Brand Names of Amiodarone

India :

International :


Cordarone and Pacerone

Why is Amiodarone Prescribed? (Indications)

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 should Amiodarone not be taken? (Contraindications)

It should not be administered to patients allergic to the drug or to iodine, pregnant women, shock due to a cardiac cause, and some heart conditions such as sinus node dysfunction and severe heart block.

What is the dosage of Amiodarone?

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 should Amiodarone 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.

What are the warnings and precautions for Amiodarone?

• 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. Due to corneal microdeposits, Drivers are not advised to drive at night as they may be dazzled by headlights.

• 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.

What are the side effects of Amiodarone?

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.

What are the other precautions for Amiodarone?

Avoid excessive sunlight exposure due to increased risk of photosensitivity

What are the storage conditions for Amiodarone?

Injection: Store at 15-25°C. Store it in airtight container and keep away from children.

Schedule : H
Prescription drugs - Drugs to be sold only under the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.
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