AMIODARONE

Overview

AMIODARONE is a Schedule H drug.

Amiodaroneis an anti-arrhythmic medication. It works by blocking abnormal electrical signals in the heart to correct irregular heartbeat to a normal rhythm.  Amiodarone affects the rhythm of yourheartbeats. It is used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with life-threatening heart rhythm disorders of the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart).  Amiodarone is used to treat ventriculartachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Amiodarone is for use only in treating life-threatening heart rhythm disorders. Amiodarone is a prescription medication used to treat adults with life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm known medically as ventricular arrhythmia. It is used when other medications fail to work. Amiodarone belongs to a group of drugs called antiarrhythmic drugs. It affects the potassium level in the heart muscle which helps the heart resist irregular electrical signals.

 

Usage

AMIODARONE is generally used to treat: Heart Arrhythmias, Ventricular Fibrillation, Idiopathic
AMIODARONE can address symptoms like: Irregular Heartbeat, Shortness Of Breath, Fatigue (tiredness), Pounding Heart (pulse), Lightheadedness, Chest Discomfort, Nausea, Anxiety

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe on my liver?
A: Not Safe

Q: Is it safe on my kidney?
A: Check with your Doctor first

Q: Can I take it with alcohol?
A: Not Safe

Q: Is it safe for children?
A: Not Advised for age < 18yrs

Q: Can it be taken during pregnancy?
A: Studies indicate Risk – Doctor advice is must

How Do I Take It?

Route of Administration: Oral

Precautions

  • Amiodaronehas several serious adverse effects and is indicated only when the condition is serious and no other treatments are suitable.
  • Notifyyour doctor if you develop breathlessness, persistent cough, jaundice, restlessness, weight loss/gain, or eye problems.
  • Avoiddirect exposure to sunlight as there may be a risk of photosensitivity.
  • Notifyyour doctor about all other medicines that you are taking as Amiodarone can interact with many medicines.
  • Youshould not use this medicine if you are allergic to amiodarone or iodine, or ifyou have  a serious heart condition called"AV block", unless you have a pacemaker  a history of slow heartbeats that have causedyou to faint or if your heart cannot pump blood properly.
  • Amiodaronecan cause dangerous side effects on your heart, liver, lungs, or thyroid.
  • Takeamiodarone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label.
  • Do nottake this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. You will receive your first few doses in a hospital setting, where your heart rhythm can be monitored.If you have been taking another heart rhythm medicine, you may need to gradually stop taking it when you start using amiodarone. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
  • It may take up to 2 weeks before your heart rhythm improves. Keep using the medicine as directed even if you feel well.

Symptoms of Overdosage

AMIODARONE over-dosage can result in: Weakness (generalized), Difficulty Breathing, Fainting, Dizziness, Slow Heart Rate (pulse), Lightheadedness

Common Side-Effects

AMIODARONE : Dizziness, Dry Skin, Irregular Heartbeat, Constipation, Eczema, Essential Tremor, Photosensitivity, Neck Discoloration, Face Discoloration, Arms Discoloration, Eyes Dry Eyes, Nervousness, Irregular Heartbeat, Weakness (generalized), Weight Gain, Difficulty Sleeping, Slow Heart Rate (pulse)

Serious Side-Effects

AMIODARONE : Dizziness, Constipation, Vomiting, Breathlessness, Cough, Lightheadedness, Fever, Shortness Of Breath, Arms Weakness, Legs Weakness, Head Headache, Loss Of Appetite, Ankles Swelling, Feet Swelling

Rare Side-Effects

AMIODARONE : Dizziness, Skin Rash, Itchy Skin, Face Swelling, Difficulty Breathing

Food Interactions

Amiodarone may be taken with or without food but should be taken at the same way each time. You should avoid consuming grapefruits and grapefruit juice while taking amiodarone. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. Grapefruit can raise the levels of amiodarone in your body and lead to dangerous side effects. This can affect the rhythm of your heart. 

Technical Classification

AMIODARONE is categorized as: GROUP III ANTIARRHYTHMICS / ANTIARRHYTHMIC AGENTS / CARDIOVASCULAR AGENTS

Storage Conditions

Room Temperature (Between 15 To 25 C)

Available Alternatives

Common Drugs with AMIODARONE as Ingredient

ALDARONE INJAMIODARONE 50 MG/ML
AMIODAR 100MG TABAMIODARONE 100.0 MG
AMIODAR 200MG TABAMIODARONE 200.0 MG
AMIODON 100MG TABAMIODARONE 100.0 MG
AMIODON 150MG INJAMIODARONE 150.0 MG
AMIODON 200MG TABAMIODARONE 200.0 MG
AMIPACE 100MG TABAMIODARONE 100.0 MG
AMIPACE 200MG TABAMIODARONE 200.0 MG
CARDASOL AMPAMIODARONE NAN, SALICYLIC ACID NAN
CORDARONE 100MG TABAMIODARONE 100 MG
CORDARONE 150MG INJAMIODARONE 150.0 MG
CORDARONE INJAMIODARONE 50 MG
CORDARONE TABAMIODARONE 100 MG
CORDARONE X 200MG TABAMIODARONE 200.0 MG
CORDARONE XR 200MG TABAMIODARONE 200 MG
CORDARONE-X TABAMIODARONE 200 MG
DURON 100MG TABAMIODARONE 100.0 MG
DURON 150MG INJAMIODARONE 150.0 MG
DURON 200MG TABAMIODARONE 200.0 MG
EURYTHMIC 100MG TABAMIODARONE 100.0 MG
EURYTHMIC 150MG INJAMIODARONE 150.0 MG
EURYTHMIC 150MG PREFILLED SYPINGEAMIODARONE 150.0 MG
EURYTHMIC 200MG TABAMIODARONE 200.0 MG
PANAROL 100MG TABAMIODARONE 100.0 MG
RITEBEAT 100MG TABAMIODARONE 100.0 MG
TACHYRA 100MG TABAMIODARONE 100.0 MG
TACHYRA 150MG INJAMIODARONE 150.0 MG
TACHYRA 200MG TABAMIODARONE 200.0 MG