Amiodarone

What is this medication for?

Amiodarone belongs to a class of medications called antiarrhythmics and is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. It works by correcting the rhythm of your heartbeat and also by slowing your heartbeat if it is beating too fast.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• This medicine should be taken after food.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication, iodine or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You have thyroid or liver problems
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

Some side effects of Amiodarone may include one or more of the following:

• Thyroid problems:
  • More sensitive to heat or cold
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Feeling anxious more easily or feeling tired/ restless
• Eye problems:
  • Change in vision (e.g. Blurred vision), eye pain
  • Do not drive or operate tools or heavy machinery if your vision is affected. Your doctor may also recommend an eyesight test to monitor for such side effects
• Nerve problems:
  • Numbness, tingling or painful sensations of hands, legs or feet
• Skin problems:
  • Blue-grey colouring on skin, and you may get sun-burnt more easily
  • Avoid being in the sun unless needed. Use a sunblock, sunglasses or wear covered clothes to protect your skin and eyes from too much sunlight exposure

Inform your healthcare professional if any of these symptoms do not go away and are bothersome to you.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

It is very important that you are on regular follow-up with your doctor to monitor for any possible side effects. Inform your healthcare professional if you have any of the following side effects.

Amiodarone may worsen existing abnormal heart rhythm, which may be dangerous. Symptoms of abnormal heart rhythm include one or more of the following:

• Irregular heartbeat e.g. slowed heartbeat or palpitations
• Severe dizziness or fainting spells

Very rarely, Amiodarone may cause injury to the liver. Symptoms may include:

• Dark-coloured urine, or light-coloured stools
• Feeling very tired or sick
• Yellowing of skin or eyes

Very rarely, Amiodarone may cause injury to the lungs. Symptoms may include:

• Worsening shortness of breath
• Dry cough that does not get better over time
• Fever, tiredness
• Chest pain that worsens during breathing

Lastly, the signs of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

• Avoid taking grapefruit and grapefruit juice when you are taking this medication as these may interact with your medication and increase the risk of side-effects.
• If you intend to take any over-the-counter medications, supplements, herbal remedies or traditional medicine, consult your healthcare professional first to confirm that it is safe to take with Amiodarone.

Some medications may interact with amiodarone and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. However, these medications may also be important for the treatment of conditions, such as infections or other chronic illnesses. Inform your healthcare professional of the other medications you are currently taking. Examples include:

• Medications for viral infections (e.g. ritonavir)
• Medications for bacterial infections (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• Medications for fungal infections (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole)

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.