Amiodarone



Cordarone®; Pacerone®







Amiodarone

(a MEE oh da rone)

U.S. Brand Names
Cordarone®; Pacerone®
Canadian Brand Names
Alti-Amiodarone; Amiodarone Hydrochloride for Injection®; Apo-Amiodarone®; Cordarone®; Gen-Amiodarone; Novo-Amiodarone; Rhoxal-amiodarone; Sandoz-Amiodarone
Pharmacologic Category
Antiarrhythmic Agent, Class III
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • This medicine is intended only for treatment of serious fast heartbeats. It can cause dangerous side effects. Amiodarone can cause lung or liver damage. You will be closely monitored when starting this medicine.
  • Please read the medication guide given to you.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to amiodarone or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have a slow heartbeat without a working pacemaker.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat a fast heartbeat.
How does it work?
  • Amiodarone decreases the effects of chemicals on the heart. It slows the heart down.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with or without food, but be consistent. Always take with food or always take on an empty stomach.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
  • Use birth control that you can trust during treatment and for some time after treatment ends.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
  • Numbness and tingling of feet or hands.
  • Sunburn.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Persistent cough.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Not hungry.
  • Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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