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Description
Indications
Amiodarone is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of specific, severe ventricular arrhythmias that pose a life-threatening risk, particularly in cases where other medications have proven ineffective or intolerable. This medication belongs to a category known as antiarrhythmics, exerting its therapeutic effects through the relaxation of hyperactive cardiac muscles.
Uses and Dosage
Please adhere to the following guidelines provided by your healthcare professional when taking this medication. Take this medication orally once or twice daily, following the prescribed dosage. You have the option to consume it with or without food; however, maintain consistency and choose one method for administration throughout your treatment.
While using this medication, avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice, unless explicitly instructed by your doctor or pharmacist to do so safely. Grapefruit has the potential to increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects when combined with this medicine. For further information, kindly consult your doctor or pharmacist.
The prescribed dosage of this medication is determined based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. Your doctor may instruct you to commence the medication at a higher dose and subsequently reduce it gradually. Carefully adhere to your doctor’s instructions. Refrain from discontinuing the medication or altering the dosage without prior consultation with your doctor.
Should your condition fail to improve or worsen, please inform your doctor promptly.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- constipation
- loss of appetite
- headache
- decreased sex drive
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- flushing
- changes in ability to taste and smell
- changes in amount of saliva
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- rash
- weight loss or gain
- restlessness
- weakness
- nervousness
- irritability
- intolerance to heat or cold
- thinning hair
- excessive sweating
- changes in menstrual cycle
- swelling in the front of the neck (goiter)
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- decreased concentration
- movements that you cannot control
- poor coordination or trouble walking
- numbness or tingling in the hands, legs, and feet
- muscle weakness
Caution
Prior to initiating treatment with amiodarone, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any known allergies you may have, including allergies to amiodarone, iodine, or other substances. This product may contain inactive ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
Before using this medication, disclose your complete medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of liver disease, lung disease, or thyroid problems.
This medication may cause dizziness. The consumption of alcohol or marijuana can intensify this dizziness. Refrain from operating vehicles, machinery, or engaging in activities that require alertness until you can do so safely.
Amiodarone has the potential to cause a condition known as QT prolongation, which affects the heart rhythm. QT prolongation can rarely lead to severe (and rarely fatal) rapid/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms, such as severe dizziness or fainting, necessitating immediate medical attention.
The risk of experiencing QT prolongation may be elevated if you have specific medical conditions or if you are taking medications known to cause QT prolongation. Before starting amiodarone, inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking and disclose any existing heart problems.
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood can also increase the risk of QT prolongation. This risk may be further heightened if you are using certain medications (such as diuretics or “water pills”) or if you have conditions such as profuse sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Discuss the safe use of amiodarone with your doctor in light of these factors.
Older adults may be more susceptible to the side effects of this medication, particularly QT prolongation, thyroid problems, and lung problems.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor. Pregnancy is not advisable while using amiodarone, as it may harm the unborn baby. If you become pregnant, promptly discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
Amiodarone passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on nursing infants. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication.
Form and Strength
Cordarone is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Cordarone tablet:
- 100mg
- 200mg
-
amiodarone tablet:
- 100mg
- 200mg
FAQ
How long can you safely take Cordarone?
There isn’t a set recommendation for how long you should take Cordarone. Many adults may need to take this medication at low doses for the rest of their lives and won’t necessarily have any problems with it.
Can Cordarone cause weight gain?
Cordarone can cause weight gain. One of the possible side effects of this medication is low thyroid function, which can cause you to gain weight due to body fat.
