Drug Notes

Amiodarone (By injection)

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

Treats life-threatening heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias).

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 taking any of the following:
  • Cimetidine, digoxin, lidocaine, St John's wort
  • Allergy medicine (such as loratadine), blood pressure medicine (such as propranolol, verapamil, diltiazem), blood thinner medicine (such as warfarin, clopidogrel), cholesterol medicine (such as simvastatin, cholestyramine), cough medicine (such as dextromethorphan), depression medicine (such as trazodone), HIV or AIDS medicine (such as indinavir), infection medicine (such as rifampin), medicine that weakens your immune system (such as cyclosporine, methotrexate), narcotic pain medicine (such as fentanyl), seizure medicine (such as phenytoin)
• 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.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have lung, kidney, liver, or heart disease, low blood pressure, a thyroid disorder, diarrhea, or low potassium or magnesium levels.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
  • New or worsening heart rhythm problems
  • Vision problems or changes
• You may need to have regular blood tests or eye examinations while you are using this medicine.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

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
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Chest pain, tightness, or discomfort
• Confusion
• Dark urine or pale stools, yellow skin or eyes
• Eye pain or changes in vision
• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Pain, swelling, redness, or rash at the site of injection
• Severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish skin
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017