Amiodarone
Uses of Amiodarone
Amiodarone is commonly used to treat Arrhythmias
How Amiodarone Works
Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic drug that affects sodium, potassium and calcium channel. It also affects alpha and beta-adrenergic receptor and prolongs the action potential and refractory period of the heart tissue. These effects make Amiodarone work both for supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmia.
Side Effects of Amiodarone
Slow pulse, Tremor, Nightmares, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Altered taste, Hot flushes, Fatigue
Warnings
Kidney Safe If Prescribed
Amiodarone is generally safe to be used in patients with renal impairment. No dose adjustment needed unless patient developed electrolytes imbalance.
Alcohol Safe
There is no known interaction or adverse effects recorded when alcohol and Amiodarone are consumed together.
Pregnancy Not Safe
Animal and human studies have indicated risk to fetal development and hence is contraindicated to be used during pregnancy unless the benefit outweigh the risk where in this circumstances, it must be supervised by a specialist.
Driving Not advisable
Amiodarone may cause eyes discomfort when the person is exposed to sunlight which can affect the ability to concentrate and drive.
Liver High Risk
Baseline liver function should be evaluated before commencing Amiodarone treatment. Dose adjustment is needed in liver impairment and Amiodarone should be stopped if signs, symptoms or laboratory results indicated hepatic injury.
Lactation Not Advisable
Amiodarone is excreted into the breastmilk and thus contraindicated to be used if breastfeeding as the effects on the infant can be serious.