About amiodarone hcl
Class III antiarrhythmic
Used for
- Treats serious abnormal heart rhythms, including ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation.
Usual adult dose
Often started at 800–1,600 mg daily, then reduced; maintenance is commonly 200–400 mg daily, under specialist supervision.
Usual dose in children
Dose is individualized by a pediatric specialist, usually based on body weight.
Common side effects
- Nausea, constipation, or loss of appetite
- Tremor, poor coordination, or sleep problems
- Slow heart rate or low blood pressure
- Thyroid, liver, lung, or eye problems
Important warnings
- Can cause serious lung, liver, thyroid, or heart complications.
- Requires ongoing checks, including ECG, thyroid, and liver tests.
- May remain in the body for weeks or months after stopping.
- Increased sun sensitivity and blue-gray skin discoloration can occur.
Pregnancy
May harm the fetus; generally avoided unless treating a serious, potentially life-threatening rhythm problem.
Breastfeeding
Can enter breast milk and may affect an infant’s thyroid; breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment.
Interactions
- Raises warfarin effects and bleeding risk.
- Can increase digoxin levels and toxicity.
- Other medicines that prolong the QT interval increase arrhythmia risk.
- Grapefruit may raise amiodarone levels.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.