Alternatives to Amiodarone

Amiodarone is a medication available by prescription and used in the treatment of irregular heartbeat to help keep the heart beating regularly. Amiodarone is often prescribed for patients who have an implanted defibrillator. Serious side effects include lung disease and thyroid problems, factors that cause some people to stop taking amiodarone and seek alternative treatment.

Dosage

• Amiodarone will first be prescribed to you while you are in the hospital, and the hospital staff will be able to monitor your dosage and possibility of experiencing serious side effects. After you leave the hospital, it is important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed. Amiodarone should be taken at the same time each day, with or without a meal, but always with a full glass of water.

Side Effects

• Some side effects of amiodrone can be fatal. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include weakness, slow heart rate, light-headedness and fainting. Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include a worsening irregular heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, feeling faint, difficulty breathing, coughing or wheezing, coughing up blood, severe headache, loss of vision or blurry vision, numbness, pain, dizziness or a tingling feeling underneath your skin. It is important that you seek emergency medical care if you think you are experiencing side effects as a result of taking amiodarone.

Alternative Medications

• Several antiarrhythmic drugs exist as an alternative to amiodarone. Depending on your condition, your doctor may prescribe flecainide, or the beta-blockers metaprolol or atenolol. Also, ask your doctor about ibutilide and dofetilide, which are similar in composition to amiodarone, and may provide treatment with fewer side effects. Another alternative to amiodarone is dronedarone, which was approved by the FDA in 2009 for the treatment of an irregular heartbeat.

Complications

• Other medical conditions may cause amiodarone to be less effective, or cause side effects to appear. Tell your doctor if you have asthma, or any other type of pulmonary condition, or if you have a history of heart disease, liver disease, vision problems, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, thyroid problems, or if you have a pacemaker installed in your chest.

Warning

• Do not use this medication if you are allergic to iodine or if you have a heart condition known as AV block, or if you have a history of a slow heart rate. Do not use amiodarone if you are pregnant or suspect you will be come pregnant. To ensure this medication is working properly and that you are not suffering harmful effects of this medicine, you will need to have your blood tested regularly.