Amiodarone (By Mouth)

Amiodarone (a-MEE-oh-da-rone)

Treats irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Belongs to a class of drugs called antiarrhythmics.

Brand Name(s):

Pacerone, Cordarone
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to amiodarone.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered, even if you feel fine.
• May be taken with food to avoid stomach upset.
• You may need to carry identification showing that you are taking amiodarone. Ask your doctor about this.

If a dose is missed:

• Skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
• If you forget to take your medicine for two or more days in a row, check with your doctor.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using phenytoin (Dilantin®), a blood thinner (such as Coumadin®), other heart medicines (such as Lanoxin®, Inderal®, Tenormin®, Cardizem®, or Procardia®), or a diuretic or "water pill" (such as hydrochlorothiazide).
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have lung disease, liver disease, or thyroid disease.
• Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without asking your doctor.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking amiodarone before you have any kind of surgery.
• Talk with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• This medicine can make your skin very sensitive to sunlight. This may last for several months after you stop taking amiodarone. Use a sunscreen when outdoors. Avoid tanning beds or sunlamps.
• After taking amiodarone for several months, your skin may look blue-gray in color, especially on areas exposed to sunlight.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Cough, fever, or skin rash
• Tremors or trouble walking
• Tiredness or muscle weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache or dizziness
• Blurred vision or colored vision such as seeing a blue-green halo around things
• Skin and eyes sensitive to sunlight
• Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Metallic or salty taste in mouth
• Decreased sexual ability or interest

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.