Tablets
To prevent and treat heartbeat irregularities, including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. The relative risks of using this drug must be weighed carefully against its benefits, since amiodarone can be toxic, especially when taken at high doses or for long periods of time.
Amiodarone slows and helps regulate nerve impulses in the heart, and acts directly on the tissue of the heart, making heart muscle less responsive to abnormal stimuli.
Adults: 800 to 2,400 mg per day in three or four equally divided doses at first; then 600 to 800 mg per day for one month; then 200 to 400 mg per day. Children: Dosage schedule varies according to the severity of the arrhythmia and often according to individual physician preferences.
Two or three days to two or three weeks.
10 days to several months depending on total amount of time the drug has been prescribed and total quantity consumed.
Amiodarone be taken with liquid or food to minimize the risk of stomach upset.
Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not double next dose.
The decision to stop taking the drug should be made by your doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms after you discontinue the medication.
Dosage is typically reduced (to 100 to 200 mg daily) with prolonged use.
Side effects may be more likely and more severe. Thyroid problems (both hypo- and hyperthyroidism) as well as walking difficulty, and numbness, tingling, trembling, or weakness in the hands and feet are likely to develop.
Proceed with caution until you determine how the drug affects you.
Drink only in strict moderation if at all.
Studies have indicated that amiodarone may cause thyroid and heart problems in unborn children. Nonetheless, the drug may be needed if a history of serious cardiac arrhythmia is a threat to the mother's life. Discuss the relative risks and benefits with your doctor.
Amiodarone passes into breast milk; consult your doctor for advice.
Amiodarone can be used in children who have symptomatic or life-threatening arrhythmias. Discuss relative risks and benefits with your doctor.
To screen for early signs of side effects, most patients should have regular blood tests for liver, thyroid, and pulmonary function, and have eye exams at least annually. Before dental work, emergency treatment, or surgery requiring general anesthesia, be sure to tell the attending doctor or dentist that you are taking amiodarone.
Seizures, irregular or very slow heartbeat, loss of consciousness.
Call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately.
Consult your doctor for specific advice if you are taking anticoagulants, other heart medications, theophylline, or phenytoin. The blood-thinning effect of warfarin may be drastically enhanced within days of starting amiodarone. Usually the dose of warfarin is reduced once amiodarone is prescribed; prothrombin time is monitored carefully.
None are expected.
Consult your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, or a thyroid disorder.
