Cordarone (Amiodarone)

Cordarone Information:

Cordarone (generic name amiodarone) is a 200mg tablet used to treat arrhythmias (irregular beating of the heart). It is used to treat arrhythmias of both the ventricles (lower part) and atria (upper part) of the heart, Cordarone works by converting the heart rate to normal sinus rhythm (NSR). Cordarone has been on the market since 1985 and despite its vast side effect profile, it remains an attractive option for treating arrhythmias. Cardiac arrhythmia is very basically defined as abnormal electrical activity in the heart. This results in the heart beat being too fast, too slow, regular or irregular. Arrhythmias vary from being life threatening medical emergencies to just being a mere annoyance for the patient. The signs and symptoms of arrhythmias vary with the type and degree of the arrhythmia. Some arrhythmias do not cause symptoms, and are not associated with increased death rate, while some asymptomatic arrhythmias are associated with adverse events. Examples include a higher risk of blood clotting within the heart and a higher risk of insufficient blood being transported to the heart because of weak heartbeat. Other increased risks are of embolisation (clots forming) and stroke, heart failure and sudden cardiac death. If an arrhythmia results in a heartbeat that is too fast, too slow or too weak to supply the body's needs, this manifests as a lower blood pressure and may cause lightheadedness or dizziness, or even fainting.

Cordarone Side Effects:

The following side effects (percentage occurance listed below) usually occur upon initiation of therapy and will go away as the patient adjusts to Cordarone.
-Nausea vomiting (10-33%)
-Constipation (4-9%)
-Abdominal pain, diarrhea, abnormal taste, dry mouth (1-3%)
-Photosensitivity (skin becomes more sensitive to sun, UV radiation)(4-9%)
-blue skin discoloration (1-3%)
-insomnia, sleep disturbances, headache, general weakness (1-3%)
-fatigue, tremor, lack of coordination, dizziness (4-9%)

Cordarone has an extensive side effect profile. Each patient that is prescribed Cordarone should be monitored closely for development of potential side effects by both their primary care physician and/or their pharmacist as well as any other involved health care professionals. To discuss the potential side effects of Cordarone, we will group them into 2 groups. The first being less serious and the second being serious and potentially fatal. Cordarone should only be prescribed to patients with life-threatening arrhythmias, and the development of side-effects must be monitored closely.

Cordarone Directions:

Cordarone (amiodarone) supplied as a 200mg tablet can be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, it is advisable to take with food. It is also important to be consistent in how you take Cordarone with respect to food. This is because food affects the rate that Cordarone is absorbed (in other words, be consistent, do not one day take Cordarone with food and the next day take on an empty stomach). Most patients will be maintained on a dosage of 200mg twice daily.

Cordarone Precautions:

There exists numerous drug interactions with Cordarone. The patient should check with their primary care physician and/or pharmacist before taking any new medication while taking Cordarone. Below is only a brief list of potential drug interactions (please note, it does not include every possible interacting drug).
-Cyclosporine
-Sildenafil (Viagra)
-Warfarin
-Simvastatin
-Theophylline
-Flecainide
-Procainamide
-Quinidine
-Digoxin