Amiodarone was initially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on  December 31, 1985.

Amiodarone is a medication used to manage and treat various types of irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias. This medication is particularly useful in stabilizing heart rhythm in ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and other arrhythmias. 

Amiodarone can be intravenously through an IV line for more immediate effects. The exact dosage and treatment duration will depend on instructions provided by a healthcare professional.

Amiodarone use can lead to a range of common and serious side effects. Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, dizziness, photosensitivity, tremors, and loss of appetite. More severe side effects may involve lung problems such as inflammation and scarring, thyroid dysfunction, liver abnormalities, vision changes, skin reactions, and neurological effects. 

Amiodarone can cause lung issues, including inflammation and scarring, leading to difficulty breathing or persistent cough.  This medication can affect thyroid function, potentially leading to hypo- or hyperthyroidism. It may cause liver abnormalities. It can also cause vision changes, such as blurred vision or difficulty seeing in dim light. Serious skin reactions, including rash and blistering, can occur while taking this medication. It can affect heart rate and blood pressure. In rare cases, it can lead to neurological symptoms such as tingling or muscle weakness.

If you experience breathing difficulties, cough, or chest pain after taking Amiodarone, seek medical attention immediately. Patients require regular lung function monitoring. Undergo regular thyroid function tests and report any changes in energy levels, weight, or other thyroid-related symptoms to your healthcare provider.  Inform your healthcare provider if you notice any signs of liver issues, such as abdominal pain or yellowing of the skin. Schedule regular eye exams to monitor potential vision problems and promptly report any changes to your healthcare provider. If you experience unusual neurological symptoms, report them to your healthcare provider for evaluation.

Inform your provider about allergies, liver or thyroid issues, lung problems, medications, and supplements. Monitor liver, thyroid, heart, and kidney function, electrolyte levels, and vision regularly. Be cautious about drug interactions, sun exposure, and activities requiring alertness. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should discuss alternatives. Attend scheduled appointments, carry emergency information, and notify healthcare providers of your medication. Watch for side effects like breathing problems, vision changes, or skin reactions, and follow dietary, exercise, and smoking guidelines. Always take amiodarone as prescribed and communicate openly with your healthcare provider to ensure your safety and well-being.

1. Ennogen Pharma Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on 20th Feb 2023] [Accessed on 19th Aug 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8739.pdf
2. KD Tripathi, Antiarrhythmic Drugs, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 570-583.
3. Robert D. Harvey, Augustus O. Grant, Agents Used in Cardiac Arrhythmias, Lange’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 228-253.
4. Pfizer, US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on October  2018 ] [Accessed on 19th August 2023],https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/018972s054lbl.pdf

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.