Amiodarone Tablets

Amiodarone is used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with life-threatening heart rhythm disorders of the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart). Amiodarone is used to treat ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.

Amiodarone is for use only in life-threatening situations. This medication has the potential to cause side effects that could be fatal, and you will receive your first few doses in a hospital setting.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to amiodarone or iodine, or if you have certain heart conditions such as “AV block,” or a history of slow heart beats.

Do not use amiodarone without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your thyroid and liver function may also need to be tested, and you may need eye exams and chest x-rays. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

You may continue to have side effects from amiodarone after you stop taking it. It could take up to several months for the medicine to completely clear from your body.

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by amiodarone. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking amiodarone:

More common

* Cough

* dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

* fever (slight)

* numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes

* painful breathing

* sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

* shortness of breath

* trembling or shaking of the hands

* trouble with walking

* unusual and uncontrolled movements of the body

* weakness of the arms or legs

Less common

* Blue-gray coloring of the skin on the face, neck, and arms

* blurred vision or blue-green halos seen around objects

* coldness

* dry eyes

* dry, puffy skin

* fast or irregular heartbeat

* nervousness

* pain and swelling in the scrotum

* sensitivity of the eyes to light

* sensitivity to heat

* slow heartbeat

* sweating

* swelling of the feet or lower legs

* trouble with sleeping

* unusual tiredness

* weight gain or loss