Amiodarone

About Amiodarone

Amiodarone is used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia) due to rapid contraction of the heart muscles.

How does Amiodarone work?

• To create a heartbeat, electrical impulses originate at a location (AV and SA node), travel through nerves, and act on the muscles of the heart walls.

  An irregular heart rhythm can be caused by a malfunction in this process.

• The electrical charges are caused by the entry and exit of chemical elements (ions) into the walls of the heart.

  Potassium (ions) causes the heart muscles to prepare for another flow of impulses to generate a heartbeat.

• Amiodarone primarily blocks potassium from entering the heart muscle cells and delays the period before an impulse can be generated.

  This reduces the occurrence of additional beats that cause irregular rhythms.

What are the side-effects I may experience?

You may experience:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Blurred vision

• Sleep disorders

• Nightmares

• Skin sensitivity to sunlight

  If you notice a rash or anything reddish after exposure to sunlight, use sunscreen and stay out of the sun as much as possible.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if any side effects of medications become unbearable.

Are there any medications and foods I should avoid?

• You may eat normally while taking amiodarone. It is advisable to take amiodarone with meals.

• You should avoid eating grapefruit or grapefruit juice when taking amiodarone. You should wait a day after you stop taking amiodarone before consuming grapefruits.

• Alcohol can be toxic to the liver. Amiodarone can rarely cause liver issues. You should be cautious about alcohol consumption when on medications.

• You can give your pharmacist a list of all your other medications for advice on safely taking other medications with amiodarone.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

If you forget to take your prescription, take it as soon as you remember.

If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose.

If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the next one.

Can I drive or operate machinery?

Amiodarone can cause vision problems, such as seeing halos around lamps. You shouldn’t drive at night if you experience this side effect.

Should I be bothered about possible addiction or dependence?

Amiodarone isn’t addictive.

Will my sexual performance, fertility or contraceptive be impaired?

Amiodarone hasn’t been shown to affect sexual performance, fertility or contraceptives.

Can I use this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

• It is not advisable to take amiodarone when pregnant unless prescribed by your doctor. You should inform your doctor if you intend to get pregnant, amiodarone can stay in the body for up to 3 months.

• Amiodarone is extensively found in breast milk and can cause thyroid disorders in your baby. You must not breastfeed your baby whiles taking amiodarone.