Amiodarone (a-mee-OH-da-rone)

Treats heart rhythm problems.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines and foods can affect how amiodarone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Atorvastatin, cimetidine, cyclosporine, cholestyramine, clonidine, digoxin, ivabradine, lidocaine, lovastatin, phenytoin, simvastatin, sofosbuvir, St John's wort
  • Blood pressure medicine (including diltiazem, verapamil, beta-blockers)
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Medicine to treat depression or mental problems (including lithium, phenothiazines, TCAs)
  • Medicine to treat an infection
  • Other medicine to treat heart rhythm problems (including flecainide, procainamide, quinidine)
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, low blood pressure, lung or breathing problems, or thyroid problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Liver problems
  • Heart rhythm problem, including QT prolongation
  • Lung or breathing problems
  • Eye or vision problems
  • Infusion site reactions, including phlebitis
• This medicine may make you dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. These symptoms are more likely to occur when you begin using this medicine, or when the dose is increased.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Blurred vision, eye pain
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Chest pain, tightness, or discomfort, trouble breathing
• Confusion
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps
• Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness
• Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain or tenderness
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, tenderness, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088