# Amiodarone ## Basics [Webmd]() AKA: Amiodarone HCL Brand Names: Cordarone, Pacerone Class: [[Antiarrhythmic]] Control: ## Used for irregular heartbeat such as: - recurrent ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia - [[Ventricular Tachycardia]] ## How it Works It works by blocking certain electrical signals in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat. may take 2 weeks or longer to have an effect in your body. Also, this drug stays in your body for weeks to months, even after you are no longer taking it. Serious side effects may occur weeks to months after taking amiodarone. ## Side Effects Nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, shaking, or tiredness may occur. serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, loss of coordination, tingling/numbness of the hands or feet, uncontrolled movements, new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain). very serious side effects, including: faster/slower/more irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting rarely cause thyroid problems. Either low thyroid function or overactive thyroid function may occur. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any symptoms of low or overactive thyroid, including cold or heat intolerance, unexplained weight loss/gain, thinning hair, unusual sweating, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, or lump/growth in the front of the neck (goiter). may cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun. With long-term treatment, you may rarely develop blue-gray color of the skin. This effect is not harmful and color may return to normal after the drug is stopped. To help prevent skin effects, limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. may rarely cause vision changes. Very rarely, cases of permanent blindness have been reported. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any vision changes (such as seeing halos or blurred vision). very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Serious side effects may include lung or liver problems. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of lung or liver problems such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, or yellowing eyes/skin. may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above), thyroid problems, lung problems. ## Interactions Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. medical history, especially of: liver disease, lung disease, thyroid problems. Other medications can affect the removal of amiodarone from your body, which may affect how amiodarone works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as itraconazole), cimetidine, cobicistat, protease inhibitors (such as fosamprenavir, indinavir), rifamycins (such as rifampin), saquinavir, St. John's wort, among others. ## Resources [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/amiodarone-oral-route/description/drg-20061854#:~:text=Amiodarone%20belongs%20to%20the%20group,only%20with%20your%20doctor's%20prescription.) - includes long lists of drug interactions