How does it work?

The heart's pumping action is controlled by electrical signals which pass through the heart muscle, causing contraction of the two pairs of heart chambers (left and right atria and ventricles). Amiodarone works by slowing the electrical impulses in the heart muscle. This helps to correct disturbances in heart rhythm (arrhythmias), which can seriously undermine the pumping action of the heart and result in inefficient blood circulation around the body. Amiodarone is used to treat a variety of different types of fast, abnormal heart rhythms (tachyarrhythmias). It is given by intravenous infusion when a rapid response is required, and as tablets for long term treatment.

What is it used for?

Fast, abnormal heart rhythms (tachyarrhythmias)

Warning!

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol when taking this medicine.

This medicine can cause corneal microdeposits (a deposit on the cornea of the eye, reversible on withdrawal of treatment), which can cause drivers to be dazzled by headlights at night.

If you should require local or general anaesthesia, it is important that you inform your anaesthetist you are taking this medicine.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or sunlamps whilst taking this medicine and for several months after stopping treatment. If exposure to sunlight cannot be avoided, use protective measures such as sun-creams or protective clothing.

Blood tests to check the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood (thyroid function tests) should be performed before starting treatment, every six months throughout treatment and for several months after stopping treatment.

Blood tests to monitor liver function (liver function tests) should be performed before starting and every 6 months during treatment.

In individuals with severe electrical conduction disturbances within the heart, (high grade atrio-ventricular block, bifascicular or trifascicular block or sinus node disease), this medicine should only be used in conjunction with an artificial pacemaker.

Use with caution in

Heart failure

Not to be used in

Abnormally functioning thyroid gland

Allergy to iodine

Failure of the electrical impulse that causes the heart to beat to leave the pacemaker of the heart, resulting in decreased heart function (sino-atrial heart block)

History of an abnormally functioning thyroid gland

Pregnancy

Slow heart rate caused by the pacemaker of the heart (sinus bradycardia)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk and women taking this medicine should therefore not breastfeed. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Avoid exposure of skin to direct sunlight or sun lamps.

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