Amiodarone (By injection)
a-mee-OH-da-rone
Treats life-threatening heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias).
Drug classes
Antiarrhythmic, Group III (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Amiodarone injection is used to correct life-threatening heart rhythm problems called ventricular arrhythmias. This medicine is used in patients who have already been treated with other medicines that did not work.
Amiodarone injection belongs to the group of medicines known as antiarrhythmics. It works directly on the heart tissue and will slow the nerve impulses in the heart. This helps keep the heart rhythm normal.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines and foods can affect how amiodarone works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Cimetidine, digoxin, lidocaine, St John’s wort Allergy medicine (such as loratadine), blood pressure medicine (such as propranolol, verapamil, diltiazem), blood thinner medicine (such as warfarin, clopidogrel), cholesterol medicine (such as simvastatin, cholestyramine), cough medicine (such as dextromethorphan), depression medicine (such as trazodone), HIV or AIDS medicine (such as indinavir), infection medicine (such as rifampin), medicine that weakens your immune system (such as cyclosporine, methotrexate), narcotic pain medicine (such as fentanyl), seizure medicine (such as phenytoin)Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not take it if you had an allergic reaction to amiodarone or iodine, or if you are pregnant or have certain heart problems such as heart block or a slow heartbeat.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have lung, kidney, liver, or heart disease, low blood pressure, a thyroid disorder, diarrhea, or low potassium or magnesium levels.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism New or worsening heart rhythm problems Vision problems or changesYou may need to have regular blood tests or eye examinations while you are using this medicine.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Chest pain, tightness, or discomfort
Confusion
Dark urine or pale stools, yellow skin or eyes
Eye pain or changes in vision
Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
Lightheadedness or fainting
Pain, swelling, redness, or rash at the site of injection
Severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish skin
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Cordarone IV, NovaPlus Amiodarone Hydrochloride
There may be other brand names for this medicine.