Cordarone

Generic name: Amiodarone

What are amiodarone tablets?

AMIODARONE (Cordarone®, Pacerone®) is an antiarrhythmic agent and is used to help your heart to beat regularly. Because this drug can have significant side-effects, this is a medicine that is used when irregular heartbeats have not responded to other medicines. It is usually reserved for treating potentially life-threatening heartbeat problems. Generic amiodarone tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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. Amiodarone may be taken with or without food, but you should take it the same way each time. Do not take amiodarone with grapefruit juice, as this affects how amiodarone is absorbed and may increase the risk of side effects. 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.

.For all uses of this medicine:

Before starting this medication, read the paper (MedGuide) on your prescription provided by your pharmacist or health care professional. This paper will tell you about the specific product you are taking. Make certain you understand the instructions. Ask your pharmacist or health care provider if you have questions.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the next scheduled dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with amiodarone?

• arsenic trioxide
• astemizole
• beta-blockers or calcium-channel blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
• bosentan
• certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin, troleandomycin)
• cevimeline
• cholestyramine
• cimetidine
• cisapride
• cyclosporine
• dextromethorphan
• dolasetron
• doxercalciferol
• fentanyl
• grapefruit juice
• ginger
• halofantrine
• hawthorn
• loratadine
• 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)
• medicines to lower cholesterol such as atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, or simvastatin
• radiopaque contrast agents
• rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
• pimozide
• probucol
• pyridoxine or vitamin B6
• ramelteon
• red yeast rice
• sevelamer
• sirolimus or tacrolimus
• St. John's Wort
• terfenadine
• tramadol
• voriconazole
• warfarin
• water pills (diuretics)

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, loss of vision
• chest pain
• cough, or difficulty breathing
• difficulty walking
• dry or puffy skin or eyes
• feeling faint or light-headed
• heart pounding or skipping a beat
• heart beating very fast or very slow
• intolerance to heat or cold
• nervousness
• numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• pain and swelling of the scrotum
• passing brown or dark-colored urine
• skin rash
• sleep difficulties
• spitting up blood
• sweating
• trembling or shaking hands
• unusual or uncontrolled movements of body
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• 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

What should I watch for while taking amiodarone?

Your condition will be monitored closely when you first begin amiodarone therapy. Often, this drug is first started in a hospital or other monitored health care setting.

Amiodarone can cause serious side effects including significant lung damage, liver damage, vision changes, thyroid dysfunction, skin problems, and potentially heartbeat problems. It is very important to have regular checks with your health care professional. Notify your prescriber immediately if you notice symptoms that are listed in the side effects section, or any other persistent problems or unusual reactions. Amiodarone can be present in the body for a long time (months); some side effects may persist for a time after treatment is stopped.

Once you are on maintenance therapy, visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you develop a cough or have any difficulty breathing. Because your condition and use of this medicine carry some risk, it is a good idea to carry an identification card, necklace or bracelet with details of your condition, medications, and prescriber or health care professional.

You may get dizzy; to avoid a sudden drop in blood pressure and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person, until you know how amiodarone affects you.

Amiodarone can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

You should have regular eye exams before and during treatment with amiodarone. Call your doctor if you have blurred vision, see halos, or your eyes become sensitive to light, or experience other changes in vision. Your eyes may get dry while you are using amiodarone. It may be helpful to use a lubricating eye solution or artificial tears solution.

If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking amiodarone.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature, approximately 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.