Cordarone
Drug name: Cordarone
Active Ingredients:
- Amiodarone hydrochloride
Therapeutic actions: Cordarone is an antiarrhythmic agent which works by prolonging phase 3 of cardiac action potential. The drug also exerts beta blocker-like action and blocks potassium channels thus increasing the refractory period and slowing conduction of the cardiac potential. The structure of the drug also resembles the structure of thyroid hormone thus binding to thyroid receptors of Amiodarone is possible.
Indications: The drug is prescribed in treatment of Ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. It is only used in people with life threatening heart rhythm disorders.
Contraindications and cautions: Be careful when using amiodarone. The drug is only prescribed in cases when the possible beneficiary effect is higher then the risk produced. The first few doses are recommended to be given in hospital settings due to the above. The side-effects from Amiodarone can persist for a few months after the treatment has been stopped so do not be alarmed by it.
Do not use Cordarone in the following cases:
- Hypersensitivity to any components of the drug or to iodine
- Specific heart conditions consult your doctor on them
- Slow heartbeat which has caused fainting
Consult your doctor before using Cordarone if you have:
- Asthma or lung disease
- Liver dysfunction
- Vision impairment
- Hyper or hypotension
- Thyroid gland disorders
- Electrolyte disbalance
The drug is in pregnancy category D meaning that it is not supposed to be used if you are breastfeeding or are pregnant.
Adverse effects: There are possible side-effects associated with this medicine that can affect individuals in different ways. If a side effect is stated here, that does not necessarily mean the fact that all people using Cordarone will experience it or any other. The drugs side-effects include:
- Allergic reactions
- Changed irregular heartbeat or worsening of the current symptoms
- Increased, decreased or pounding heart rate
- Feeling that you are going to faint
- Coughing of blood, chest pain, breathing problems.
- Increased blood pressure ad intra-ocular pressure
- Short breath, weight gain, swelling
- Alopecia, weight loss, fever, sweating, goiter, irregular menses.
- Numbness or tingling in your extremities
- Jaundice or other liver impairment.
The common side-effects include:
- Weakness or dizziness
- Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea
- Insomnia
- Coordination impairment
- Skin inflammation
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with Cordarone, please read the information provided with Cordarone or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with Cordarone. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe. Especially mention the following:
- Hypertension medicine
- Diabetic drugs
- Antibiotics
- Anti-cough medicine even OTC
- Narcotic pain relief drugs
- Antidepressants
- Grapefruits, St. John Wart
- Diuretics
- Allergy treatment
- Blood thinners
- Antiviral medications especially for treatment of HIV
- Other anti-arrhythmia drugs
- Anti-epilepsy medication
- Cholesterol lowering drugs
Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE Cordarone with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.
