Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Other Names: Cordarone

What is Amiodarone Used For?

Amiodarone is used to treat irregular heart rhythms. The presence of irregular heart rhythms can be very serious. Amiodarone will help your heart beat at a normal, regular pace. This medication is one of the most effective drugs available to prevent these abnormal heart rhythms.

How Do You Take Amiodarone?

When first prescribed by your doctor, you may need to take a higher dose for the first 1 - 2 weeks. After several weeks or months, a lower daily dosage will be used. Take amiodarone with food to avoid stomach upset.

What Special Instructions Do You Need To Know?

• Try to take your medication at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, do not take 2 doses at the same time.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal products.
• While you are taking amiodarone, you should see your family doctor at least every 6 - 12 months. It is important for you to periodically have a chest x-ray, ECG, and blood tests to check your liver and thyroid gland, as determined by your doctor.
• This medication can make your skin very sensitive to exposed areas. Wearing a hat and long sleeves will also help.
  

Are There Side Effects From Taking Amiodarone?

Amiodarone is associated with a number of major and minor side effects. Your doctor will be closely following your progress. Side effects are often managed by reducing the amount of drug that you are taking. The benefit of treating life-threatening heart rhythms with amiodarone outweighs the risk of the side effects with this medication.

The following side effects may occur:

• Headache or dizziness
• Blurred or colored vision (such as seeing a halo around objects)
• Skin and eyes sensitive to light
• Nausea, vomiting or constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Tingling or numbness in extremities
• May cause your thyroid to become under-active or over-active (your doctor will monitor your thyroid with a blood test).
• May affect liver enzymes (you doctor can monitor this with blood tests).
• Skin may turn a blue-gray color during long term treatment with amiodarone.

Check with your doctor if they do not go away or are bothersome. If you notice other side effects not listed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

When Should You Call Your Doctor?

Tell your doctor right away if you have:

• Irregular heart beat
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Tremors or trouble walking
• Cough, fever or skin rash
• Severe tiredness or muscle weakness
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This information is designed for use in conjunction with teaching by a qualified health professional.
Prepared by: Cardiology Pharmacist's Group

Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)