Amiodar 100mg Tablet 10s

Uses of Amiodar 100mg Tablet 10s

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.

Side Effects of Amiodar 100mg Tablet 10s

Blue-grey discolouration of skin, photosensitivity, peripheral neuropathy, paraesthesia, myopathy, ataxia, tremor, nausea, vomiting, metallic taste, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, alopoecia, sleep disturbances, corneal microdeposits, hot flushes, sweating. Heart block, bradycardia, sinus arrest, hepatotoxicity, heart failure. Potentially Fatal: Pulmonary toxicity including pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial pneumonitis, hepatotoxicity, thyrotoxicity. Ventricular arrhythmias, pulmonary alveolitis, exacerbation of arrhythmias and rare serious liver injury. Generally in patients with high doses and having preexisting abnormalities of diffusion capacity.

Drug Interactions

Potentiation of antiarrhythmic drugs. Possible increased risk of adverse effects when used with anaesthetic agents. Monitor plasma levels of amiodarone when used with HIV protease inhibitors. Cimetidine may increase serum levels of amiodarone. Concurrent use may increase serum levels of ciclosporin. May increase risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis when used with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Rifampin may reduce the serum levels of amiodarone. Potentially Fatal: Potentiates the effect of warfarin and other anticoagulants hence dose of warfarin generally needs to be reduced approx half. Raised plasma concentrations of digoxin, phenytoin and quinidine. Additive effect with beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers (e.g. verapamil and diltiazem).

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to amiodarone or iodine. Severe sinus node dysfunction, 2nd and 3rd degree heart block (except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker), cardiogenic shock, pregnancy.

Mechanism of Action

Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic agent which inhibits stimulation, prolongs action potential and refractory period in myocardial tissues. It also decreases AV conduction and sinus node function. Sinus rate is reduced by 15-20%, PR and QT intervals are increased. Amiodarone can cause marked sinus bradycardia or sinus arrest and heart block. In acute IV doses, amiodarone may exert a mild negative inotropic effect. Onset: IV: 1-30 minutes. Duration: IV: 1-3 hr. Absorption: Oral admin: Variable and erratically absorbed from the GI tract; average bioavailability is about 50%. Distribution: Extensively distributed to body tissues; accumulates in muscles and fats. Crosses the placenta and enters breast milk. Protein-binding: 96% Metabolism: Yields desethylamiodarone (also has antiarrhythmic properties); may undergo enterohepatic recycling. Excretion: Mainly in the faeces via bile; via urine (small amounts of amiodarone and its metabolites). Terminal elimination half-life: About 50 days; may range from 20-100 days due to extensive tissue distribution.

Special Precautions

Close monitoring is recommended as amiodarone may worsen arrhythmia especially when used concurrently with other anti-arrhythmic drugs or drugs that prolong QT interval. May cause hypotension and bradycardia. May increase risk of liver toxicity. May cause visual disturbance/impairment; corneal refractive laser surgery is not recommended in patients on amiodarone treatment. May cause lung damage; monitor for pulmonary toxicity e.g. acute respiratory distress syndrome. Monitor liver functions regularly. May affect defibrillation or pacing thresholds of cardiac devices. Correct electrolyte imbalance before starting treatment. Caution when used in patients undergoing surgery. Avoid excessive sunlight exposure due to increased risk of photosensitivity. Hepatic impairment, thyroid disease, elderly. Lactation.

How to Use

Take orally with food and water, as directed by your physician.

How to Store

Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.

Safety Concerns

• Alcohol: Avoid during treatment.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
• Pregnancy: Contraindicated.
• Liver/Kidney: Use with caution.

Content Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before use.