CORDARONE

This medicine contains the active ingredient Amiodarone, which is also known as anti-arrhythmic medicine. Amiodarone is used to restore the control of the uneven heartbeats, which are called arrhythmias. It corrects the rhythm of the heart and slows it if it is beating too fast. It can only prescribed by a doctor, especially when other medicines cannot address the problems like Wolff-Parkinson-White-Syndrome, 'atrial flutter' or 'atrial fibrillation'.

Is Amiodarone suitable for me?

Amiodarone is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it if

• You are allergic to Amiodarone or other ingredients of the medicine
• You have a slower than usual heartbeat ('sinus bradycardia') or an illness called 'Sino-atrial' heart block
• You have other problems with your heartbeat
• You have ever had thyroid problems
• You are taking certain other medicines which could affect your heartbeat
• You are pregnant or breast-feeding

In particular, you must tell the doctor if:

• You have heart failure
• You have liver problems
• You have any problems with your lungs or have asthma
• You have any problems with your eyesight
• You are about to have an operation
• You are elderly
• You have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator
• If you know you have low amounts of potassium in your blood
• If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria

Amiodarone interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Amiodarone?

This medicine is available in form of a tablet.

You should take Amiodarone exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. The usual dose is 200 mg three times a day for the first week, then 200 mg twice a day for the second week. From the third week it may be reduced to 200 mg each day. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose. Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Amiodarone side effects?

Like all medicines Amiodarone can cause side effects, including:

Very common:

• Being dazzled by bright lights, blurred vision.

Common:

• Feeling extremely restless or agitated
• weight loss, increased sweating 
• being unable to stand the heat
• tiredness, weakness
• weight gain
• constipation and aching muscles
• Trembling
• Blue/gray marks on areas of your skin exposed to the sun
• Constipation
• Itchy, red rash (eczema)

Uncommon:

• Muscle cramps, stiffness or spasm
• Disturbances in the heart functions
• Dry mouth

Other side effects: damage to the liver (hepatotoxicity) and damage to the lungs (pneumonitis).

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.