Side Effects of Amioderone

Amiodarone is a prescription antiarrhythmic medicine that manages heartbeats and their rhythms. The main function of amiodarone is to maintain regular heartbeats for people who have dangerous heart-rhythm conditions involving the ventricles, the heart chambers that enable blood flow. It is commonly used to treat the conditions of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. As with any type of medication, there are some possible side effects associated with use of amiodarone.

Caution

• Before attempting to take amiodarone, it is important to consult your physician if you have specific pre-existing conditions. These conditions include either low or high blood pressure, asthma or any other type of respiratory disorder, liver disease, thyroid issues, poor vision and imbalance of electrolytes (like reduced magnesium or potassium levels within the blood). The same applies for individuals who have either a defibrillator or a pacemaker within their chests.

  Women who are pregnant are advised against using amiodarone without first consulting their doctors. This is due to the fact that amiodarone could potentially cause harm to the unborn child. It is also advised that nursing mothers not use amiodarone, as it could find its way into the breast milk and cause harm to the baby.

Serious Side Effects

• There are some serious side effects that could occur as a result of amiodarone use. Severe effects are irregular heartbeat (that gets worse); the sensation of needing to faint; slow, pounding or rapid heartbeat; tingling, pain, burning or numbness in the feet or hands; thinning hair; being too cold or too hot; weight loss; excessive sweating; irregular menstrual periods in females; neck swelling (known as goiter); darker urine; jaundice; shortness of breath; chest ache; coughing, wheezing; aching behind the eyes; headache; coughing up of blood and swelling.

  If one of these occurs, stop taking the medication immediately and consult a physician.

Allergic Reactions

• Allergic reactions are a possible side effect of taking amiodarone. Those who experience signs of allergic reaction should seek medical attention immediately. These reactions include breaking out into hives, having a hard time breathing, and tongue, lips, throat or facial swelling. Even if these reactions happen months after initially taking amiodarone, there may be a linkage. Seek medical attention and advise those who treat you of the amiodarone dosage.

Minor Side Effects

• Other side effects of taking amiodarone are likely to be mild, and should subside on their own quickly. These side effects are exhaustion, feeling lightheaded, dizziness, insomnia, coordination loss, weakness, feelings of tingling and warmth, skin redness, throwing up, stomachache, nausea, appetite loss and constipation.

Overdose

• Should an individual suspect that he might have overdosed on Amiodarone, he should seek immediate emergency medical attention. Some signs of Amiodarone overdose include being lightheaded, passing out, slower heart rate and feeling very weak.