Amiodarone Side Effects
Serious Side Effects of Amiodarone
- jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or
skin), stomach ache, fever, nausea, darkened urine, or clay-colored stools which could be signs of liver damage
- feeling restless, jittery, or shaky
- uncontrollable movements, tremors
- changes in heartbeat, increase or decrease in heart rate
- trouble balancing, coordinating, or moving
- a numb or tingling feeling in the hands, legs, or feet
- loss of strength
- increased sweating
- inflammation of the front side of the neck (goiter)
- swelling of the body (particularly the hands, lower legs, ankles or feet)
- changes in menstruation
- eye pain or permanent vision loss; seeing halos or blurred vision
- sensitivity to temperature changes
- changes in weight
- hair loss or thinning
- allergic reaction: rash, hives, trouble breathing, hoarseness, swelling of the mouth, tongue, throat , or face
Symptoms of Lung Damage While Taking Amiodarone
Patients who use amiodarone may have an
increased risk for developing lung damage. If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms after taking amiodarone, contact your doctor
at once:
- fever
- trouble breathing
- hoarseness or wheezing
- coughing
- coughing up blood or spitting up blood
Common Side Effects of Amiodarone
- constipation or trouble going to the bathroom
- decreased libido (desire to have sex)
- upset stomach, loss of appetite
- headache
- trouble sleeping
- redness of the skin
- changes in production of saliva in mouth
- dryness of the eyes
- changes in sense of smell or taste
Warnings & Recalls for Amiodarone
Amiodarone and Pregnancy
Amiodarone is an FDA
pregnancy Category D medication. Amiodarone may cause harm to the fetus if taken during pregnancy and can harm a nursing baby while breastfeeding.
Do not take amiodarone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by your doctor.Your doctor may require that you use
birth control while you are taking amiodarone.
Let your doctor know if you become pregnant while using amiodarone.
General Warnings
Amiodarone
should not be used by patients with:
- allergies to amiodarone or iodine
- particular heart conditions (especially atrioventricular block, "AV block")
- a history of fainting induced by abnormally slow heartbeats
To make sure you may safely use amiodarone,
tell your doctor about the following:
- any other medications, vitamins, supplements or herbal products you are using
- allergies you may have
- if you have a history of liver disease
- thyroid disorder
- vision problems
- an electrolyte imbalance
- if you have a history of lung damage or lung disease
- any blood pressure disorders you may have
If you are planning to have any type of
surgery, let all healthcare providers know about your use of amiodarone.
Amiodarone may cause
permanent vision loss and even blindness. If you notice any changes in your vision, contact your doctor immediately.
Patients
over 65 years old should ask their doctor about risks and benefits of taking amiodarone. Your doctor may prescribe a different, safer medication for your case.
Avoid exposure to sunlight, tanning beds or lamps, or any
ultraviolet light. Exposure may cause strange side effects such as a
blue-grey appearance of the skin which could be permanent.
Your doctor may require you to have your
blood,
thyroid and
liver function examined frequently along with eye exams and x-rays of the chest to be sure that amiodarone is working safely and effectively. Amiodarone may cause
abnormal results in thyroid tests.
Amiodarone Interactions
Amiodarone
may interact with certain medications. Be sure to tell all doctors about any drugs you are using. Let your healthcare providers know that you are taking or have taken amiodarone
even after treatment has ended as this medicine may stay in your body for several months. Amiodarone could potentially interact with:
- beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers
- digoxin, flecainide, procainamide, or quinidine
- ulcer medications
- cold or flu medicines
- osteoarthritis treatments
- drugs for preventing strokes
- treatments to prevent transplant rejection
- St. John's wort
- antidepressants
- blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, treatments for heart conditions or diabetes medicines
- medicines for lowering cholesterol
- HIV/ AIDS medicines
- pain relievers
- diuretics
- antibacterials and antifungals
- medicines for preventing seizures
Do not consume any form of
grapefruit while using amiodarone. This combination can cause an increase in side effects and can even become
toxic to your body.
Amiodarone Treatment and Use
Amiodarone | Cardarone is a generic antiarrythmatic medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1985 for treating certain heartbeat irregularities (arrythmia) in patients with life-threatening conditions. Amidarone may be prescribed for:
- maintaining a steady heart beat
- treating rapid heart rates(ventricular tachycardia)
- controlling ventricular fibrilation (a type of arrythmia which may cause abrupt collapsing)
- treating congestive heart failure
How Does Amiodarone Work?
Amiodarone works as a calcium blocker by lowering the level of chemicals in the heart that are responsible for making the heart pump blood. Amiodarone is also a beta blocker class drug that widens and relaxes blood vessels. This steadies and slows down the beating of the heart to safely treat arrythmia.
How is Amiodarone Taken?
Amiodarone is given as an intravenous (IV) injection (50mg/mL) and tablet (200mg). Amiodarone dose and treatment depends on the patient’s medical condition. Amiodarone tablets should be taken by mouth with a full glass of water and a meal to prevent nausea. Take Amiodarone only as instructed by your doctor.
Typical treatment using amiodarone includes an initial dose of 800mg to 1600mg per day for between 7 days and three full weeks. After this start-up dosing, it is recommended that patients take between 600 and 800 mg each day for four weeks followed by 400 mg every day.
For patients who are receiving amiodarone intravenous injection, a doctor or nurse will administer the injection in a hospital or clinic setting. If you are asked to self-administer the injection, follow all labeled instructions and directions given to you by your doctor.
Your doctor may require you to take your first few doses under supervision to ensure your safety. Do not stop using amiodarone until your doctor directs you to do so.
