What is amiodarone?
Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication that affects the rhythm of heartbeats.
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 may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about amiodarone
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.