Cordarone (Amiodarone)

Do’s

• Take Cordarone exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, including dosage and frequency (usually once or twice daily).
• Take it with or without food, but choose one way and be consistent for every dose.
• Ask your healthcare provider before consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it can interact with Cordarone.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your medical condition doesn't improve or worsens.
• Discuss any concerns you have about Cordarone with your healthcare provider.

Don'ts

• Don't adjust your dosage or take it more often than prescribed.
• Don't skip or miss doses.
• Don't stop taking Cordarone without consulting your healthcare provider first.
• Don't abruptly change how you take Cordarone (with or without food).

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Tremor
• Lack of coordination
• Constipation
• Insomnia

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Vision changes, such as seeing halos or blurred vision
• Allergic reactions, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing
• Severe symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, or unusual/sudden weight gain
• Lung, thyroid, or liver problems

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Cordarone,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies to amiodarone, iodine, or inactive ingredients.

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider, especially if you have:

• Liver disease
• Lung disease
• Thyroid problems

Cordarone may cause dizziness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring alertness until your vision returns to normal. Limit alcohol and marijuana use which can worsen dizziness.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take (including Cordarone) before any surgery.

Cordarone can cause a heart rhythm problem (QT prolongation) which can lead to serious (rarely fatal) heartbeat irregularities and fainting. This risk increases with certain health conditions or medications. Tell your healthcare provider about:

• Certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, EKG changes)
• Family history of heart problems (QT prolongation, sudden cardiac death)
• Low blood potassium or magnesium levels

Increased risk of side effects like QT prolongation, thyroid problems, and lung problems.

Cordarone can harm an unborn baby. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before pregnancy. Avoid getting pregnant while using Cordarone.

Cordarone passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.