- CORDARONE (amiodarone)
Description
Treats irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias). Belongs to a class of drugs called
antiarrhythmics.
Brand Name(s)
Cordarone®
When you should not use this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to amiodarone.
How to use and store this medicine
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often. Keep all medicine out of the
reach of children.
Tablets:
- Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered, even if
you feel fine.
- You may need to carry identification showing that you are
taking amiodarone. Ask your doctor about this.
- May be taken with food to avoid stomach upset.
- Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and
direct light.
If you miss a dose:
- 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 use this medicine
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter
medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines:
blood thinners such as Coumadin®; other heart medicines such as Lanoxin®, Inderal®,
Tenormin®, Cardizem®, or Procardia®; "water pills" (diuretics) such as
hydrochlorothiazide; or phenytoin (Dilantin®).
Warnings
- Check with your doctor before taking amiodarone if you have
lung, liver, 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.
Side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have 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 have problems with 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
