Cordarone (Amiodarone)
Medication information written by Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Updated - February 2, 2021
Cordarone (Amiodarone) Medication Information
Uses
Cordarone is an antiarrhythmic indicated for:
- Recurrent ventricular fibrillation.
- Recurrent hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia.
Dosage
The oral tablets are available in 200 mg strength.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Cordarone include:
- Pulmonary toxicity
- Paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia
- Congestive heart failure
- Elevation of liver enzymes
For a full list of side effects that apply to you, contact your doctor or pharmacist
Precautions
Persistence of Adverse Effects: Following discontinuation, patients still may experience adverse reactions and drug interactions for several weeks
Impaired Vision: Common and reversible side effect are corneal microdeposits, rare side effect that may lead to blindness are optic neuropathy and neuritis
Thyroid Abnormalities: Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
Interactions
Common medications that interact with Cordarone are listed:
- Antiarrhythmics
- Azithromycin
- Beta-blockers
- Cimetidine
- Citalopram
- Clozapine
- Methadone
- Phenytoin
- Quetiapine
To receive more information, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (68-77ºF). Protect from light and keep the bottle tightly closed.
Pharmacist Tips
- Avoid grapefruit juice and St. John's Wort.
- Seek medical attention if you experience the signs and symptoms of pulmonary toxicity, worsening arrhythmia, bradycardia, visual impairment, or hypo- and hyperthyroidism.
Amiodarone FAQs
Should this be given with food?
Administer Cordarone consistently with meals. To avoid gastrointestinal intolerance, and when total daily doses exceed 1000mg, Cordarone can be administered in divided doses, along with meals.
What is the initial dose?
Initiate treatment with loading doses of 800 to 1600 mg/day until the initial therapeutic response occurs (usually 1 to 3 weeks).
What is the recommended dose?
The dose is individualized based on the severity and response of arrhythmia.
What should be tested before starting amiodarone?
Tests recommended to obtain are pulmonary, thyroid, and liver function tests, including liver aminotransferases. In addition, a baseline chest x-ray is recommended as well.
What is Cordarone used for?
Cordarone is used to treat heart arrhythmias.
What are the side effects of Cordarone?
The most common side effects seen with Cordarone are hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and pulmonary toxicities.
Is Cordarone a blood thinner?
Cordarone is not a blood thinner.
Does Cordarone affect blood pressure?
Cordarone can cause hypotension, which is low blood pressure.
Related Drugs
Reference:
Cordarone {package insert}. Philadelphia, PA: Pfizer; 2018.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/018972s054lbl.pdf
Author: Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Dr. Roybal is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist who has practiced in both ambulatory and acute care settings. Her pharmacy interests include oncology and general inpatient pharmacy.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.