Thursday, November 20, 2008
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AMIODARONE (Cordarone, Pacerone)
What does Cordarone do?
Cordarone is a medicine used to treat serious heart rhythm disturbances or “arrhythmias.” It belongs to a group of medicines called antiarrhythmics. Cordarone is one of the most effective and strongest medicines used to prevent an arrhythmia from returning. Some arrhythmias are life-threatening while others are not. Life-threatening arrhythmias include ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Left untreated, a serious arrhythmia can cause you to pass out, have a “cardiac arrest” or even sudden death. Cordarone is sometimes used to prevent atrial fibrillation, a less serious arrhythmia.
How much Cordarone will I need to take?
Your doctor will decide how much Cordarone you need to maintain a normal heart rhythm. When you begin taking Cordarone, your doctor will prescribe anywhere from one to four 200 mg tablets per day for several days. The usual maintenance dose is one or two 200 mg tablets per day (and sometimes less). Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose possible that will keep your heart in a normal rhythm.
Take Cordarone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, do not take the missed dose. Do not double the next dose. If you miss several doses of Cordarone, call your doctor or nurse. Never stop your Cordarone or change the dosage without first discussing it with your doctor.
Are there any side-effects?
Cordarone is very effective in keeping the heart in a normal rhythm; however, there is a possibility of side-effects, some of which are serious.
Serious side–effects:
§ Lung toxicity
§ Liver toxicity
Less Serious side-effects:
§ Over or under active thyroid
§ Vision problems including possible blindness
§ Sensitivity to sunlight
§ Bluish discoloration of the skin
§ Nausea
§ Slow pulse
§ Fatigue
Before starting Cordarone, you will have a chest x-ray and blood tests to make sure your lungs, liver and thyroid gland are functioning normally.
Regular visits to the doctor’s office and periodic blood tests can detect side-effects early and previous serious problems. The dosage of Cordarone can be adjusted if problems arise.
Will Cordarone interfere with my other medicines?
Cordarone can affect the way your body “metabolizes” or processes other medicines. These include blood thinners (Coumadin) and other heart medications. Your doctor may change the dosage of other medications you might be taking. Tell your other doctors and your dentist that you are taking Cordarone.
What precautions should I take?
1. When outdoors, wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) to reduce the chance of sunburn. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved clothing and slacks, if possible. Remember that you can still get sunburn through window glass and thin clothing.
2. Call the office immediately if you notice any of the following: shortness of breath, cough or painful breathing, lightheadedness or fainting.
3. Keep your appointments with your doctor (a minimum of every six months).
4. Have your blood tested every six months.
5. Carry a list of your medicines in your wallet or purse at all times.
6. Before you take any new medications (prescription or over-the-counter), talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
7. If you are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant, contact your nurse or doctor.
If you have any questions about this medication, call your nurse or doctor.