Amiodarone
Introduction To Amiodarone
Amiodarone is used to treat various types of serious irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) such as fibrillation and tachycardia (increased heart rate). It is an anti-arrhythmic type of medicine which rapidly restores your heart to a steady and regular rhythm.
Amiodarone is given by a slow drip (infusion) into a vein under the supervision of a doctor. Continuous monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate may be needed while this medicine is administered. It is important that you keep having the injections until your doctor decides it is safe to stop them. After this, your doctor may prescribe tablets instead of the injection. If you stop taking this medicine, you may get dangerous uneven heartbeats, which can be life-threatening.
The most common side effects of this medicine include decreased blood pressure (hypotension), decreased heart rate (bradycardia), blurred vision, and application site reaction(pain, itching, and skin redness). This medicine can also cause problems with your liver, lungs, nerves, and thyroid gland. Ask your doctor what signs to look out for and report any symptoms you have. This medicine takes a long time to get cleared from the body. You may continue to have side effects after you stop using it. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce them.
Uses of Amiodarone
- Arrhythmia
Benefits of Amiodarone
Arrhythmia
Amiodarone belongs to a group of medicines called anti-arrhythmics. It works
by blocking abnormal electrical signals in the heart. This helps control the
uneven beating of your heart and helps it to beat normally. It is normally
only given by injection in a hospital when a fast response is needed or when
tablets have not worked or cannot be given. This medicine thus prevents
serious health problems that can sometimes be fatal and reduces your risk of
death.
Side effects of Amiodarone
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Cardasol
- Decreased blood pressure
- Slow heart rate
- Blurred vision
- Application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching and redness)
How to use Amiodarone
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Amiodarone works
Amiodarone is an anti-arrhythmic medication. It regulates heart beat by blocking abnormal electrical signals in the heart.
Quick tips
- 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.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Amiodarone if I’m pregnant?
Amiodarone is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingUNSAFE
Can I take Amiodarone if I’m breastfeeding?
Amiodarone is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
AlcoholCAUTION
Is drinking alcohol while taking Amiodarone safe?
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Amiodarone. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Amiodarone?
Amiodarone may cause blurring of your vision for a short time just after its use. Do not drive until your vision is clear.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Amiodarone if I have/had kidney diseases?
Amiodarone is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Amiodarone is recommended. However, inform your doctor if you have an underlying kidney disease.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Amiodarone if I have/had liver diseases?
Amiodarone is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Amiodarone may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. 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.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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