Amiodarone tablets
What do amiodarone tablets do?
AMIODARONE (Cordarone(R)) is a medicine that can help your heart to beat regularly when irregular heartbeats are persistent. It is a drug that must be taken every day. Generic amiodarone tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take amiodarone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• other heart problems
• liver disease
• thyroid disease
• lung disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to amiodarone, iodine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take amiodarone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Keep taking your medicine even if you feel better; do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, only take it if you remember within an hour, otherwise wait until your next dose is due. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with amiodarone?
• arsenic trioxide
• astemizole
• bepridil
• beta-blockers or calcium-channel blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
• certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin)
• cevimeline
• cholestyramine
• cimetidine
• cisapride
• cyclosporine
• dextromethorphan
• dolasetron
• fentanyl
• ginger
• halofantrine
• hawthorn
• medicines for angina, high blood pressure, or heart failure
• medicines for colds or breathing difficulties (including asthma)
• medicines for HIV infection
• medicines for mental depression such as tricyclic antidepressants
• medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for seizures (convulsions) such as phenytoin
• medicines for thyroid problems
• medicines to control heart rhythm (examples: digoxin, disopyramide, dofetilide, sotalol, procainamide, quinidine)
• rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
• pimozide
• probucol
• pyridoxine or vitamin B6
• sirolimus or tacrolimus
• terfenadine
• tramadol
• warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking amiodarone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• appetite increase or decrease
• blue-gray coloring of the skin
• blurred vision, seeing blue-green halos, increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
• cough, or difficulty breathing
• difficulty walking
• dry or puffy skin or eyes
• intolerance to heat or cold
• nervousness
• numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• pain and swelling of the scrotum
• skin rash
• trembling or shaking hands
• sleep difficulties
• sweating
• unusual or uncontrolled movements of body
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weight gain or loss
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• bitter or metallic taste in the mouth
• constipation
• decreased sexual ability or desire in men
• dizziness
• flushing of the face
• headache
• nausea