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Amiodarone

Information about Amiodarone

Amiodarone Uses

Amiodarone is used in the treatment of Arrhythmia.

How Amiodarone works

Amiodarone is an anti-arrhythmic medication. It regulates heart beat by blocking abnormal electrical signals in the heart.

Common side effects of Amiodarone

Nausea1a, Constipation, Slow heart rate, Taste change, Eczema, Decreased level of thyroid hormones, Vomiting

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Betina Chandolia

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

09 Apr 2020 | 10:34 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Amiodarone

Expert advice for Amiodarone

Amiodarone may cause blurring of vision. Avoid driving or any activity requiring focus until you know how it affects you.
It makes your skin sensitive towards sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going out.
Your doctor may do regular blood tests, chest X-rays, ECG, eye test, thyroid, liver and lung function tests while you are taking this medicine.
Notify your doctor if you develop breathlessness, persistent cough, jaundice, restlessness, weight loss/gain or eye problems.
Notify your doctor about all other medicines that you are taking as Amiodarone can interact with many medicines.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions for Amiodarone

Amiodarone

Q. Does Amiodarone affect blood pressure?

Generally, an oral tablet of Amiodarone does not affect blood pressure. But, when given through an injection intravenously (in the vein) then it may decrease in the blood pressure. To prevent this your doctor or nurse may give Amiodarone slowly. Along with that, you may also be prescribed medicines which increase blood pressure (vasopressor agents) to the infusion.

Q. Is Amiodarone safe?

Amiodarone is generally safe to use. However, you should take it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. It may cause some side effects that are temporary and usually resolve on their own. Your doctor will tell you ways to cope up with them.

Q. What are the warning signals of liver toxicity caused by Amiodarone?

The warning signals of liver toxicity include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), tiredness, nausea, vomiting, dark-colored urine, pale-colored stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain or high temperature. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.

Q. What kind of vision problems occur with Amiodarone?

You may experience blurred vision or see a circle around dazzling light (halos). It may also make your eyes dry or sensitive to light. It can even cause permanent blindness. Therefore, consult your doctor in case you experience any such problems while on Amiodarone.

Q. What does Amiodarone do to the heart?

Amiodarone blocks certain electrical signals in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). This way, it helps to restore normal heart rhythm and maintains a regular, steady heartbeat.