Indications  

Cordarone is a prescribed medication used to treat life-threatening recurrent ventricular fibrillation and recurrent hemodynamically unstable tachycardia in adults who have not responded to other anti-arrhythmic medications or cannot tolerate alternative treatments. 

As an anti-arrhythmic drug, Cordarone restores normal heart rhythm and maintains a regular, steady heartbeat by blocking specific electrical signals in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Cordarone and with every prescription refill, thoroughly review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. For any questions or clarifications, consult your doctor or pharmacist. 

The dosage of Cordarone may vary per individual based on the severity of arrhythmia and response to treatment. Baseline tests and correction of electrolyte imbalances are necessary before treatment. 

Typically, physicians prescribe Cordarone at an initially higher dose which is then gradually reduced. The usual frequency of administration is once or twice a day, which can be taken with or without food but should be taken in the same manner each time. 

Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Refrain from discontinuing intake or altering the dosage without first seeking guidance from your doctor. 

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it deteriorates. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects that may arise from taking Cordarone. Promptly inform your physician if any of them last or worsen. 

Common Side Effects 

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Constipation 
• Weight loss 
• Fatigue 
• Pulmonary fibrosis 
• Heart block 
• Heart failure 
• Dizziness 
• Tiredness 
• Shaking or tremor 
• Numbness and tingling 
• Stomach pain 
• Loss of appetite 
• Sleep problems (insomnia) 
• Weakness 
• Lack of coordination 
• Warmth, tingling, or redness under the skin 

Serious Side Effects 

• Easy bruising or bleeding 
• Loss of coordination 
• Tingling or numbness of the hands or feet 
• Uncontrolled movements 
• New or worsening symptoms of heart failure: 
• Ankle or leg swelling 
• Increased tiredness 
• Increased shortness of breath when lying down 

Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the severe side effects stated above. 

Allergic Reactions 

Severe allergic reactions to Cordarone are uncommon; however, seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as: 

• Rash 
• Itching/swelling of the face, tongue, or throat 
• Severe dizziness 
• Trouble breathing 

This list does not contain all the potential side effects of Cordarone. If you experience any unlisted effects, inform your doctor right away. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Cordarone, inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any known hypersensitivities, especially to: 

• Amiodarone 
• Iodine 
• Any other medications 
• Any of the ingredients present in Cordarone tablets 

To ensure Cordarone is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, specifically if you have a history of: 

• Liver disease 
• Lung disease 
• Thyroid problems 

Cordarone can have interactions with certain substances, such as fingolimod and specific drugs prescribed for hepatitis C treatment (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, sofosbuvir). 

To prevent such drug interactions, tell your doctor and pharmacist about all your medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, other dietary supplements, and herbal products. 

Other medications can impact the elimination of Cordarone from the body, potentially affecting its efficacy. Examples of these drugs include: 

• Azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole) 
• Cimetidine 
• Cobicistat 
• Protease inhibitors (e.g., fosamprenavir, indinavir) 
• Rifamycins (e.g., rifampin) 
• Saquinavir 
• St. John’s wort and others 

Cordarone can also impact the elimination of other medicine from the body, potentially affecting their efficacy. Examples of these drugs include: 

• Clopidogrel 
• Macitentan 
• Phenytoin 
• Certain “statin” drugs (atorvastatin, lovastatin) 
• Trazodone 
• Warfarin 
• Others 

The use of Cordarone can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, potentially resulting in blue-gray discoloration that may persist even after discontinuing the medication. Minimize unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight or sunlamps, and take precautions such as wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen when going out.  

Regular eye exams are recommended during Cordarone treatment due to potential vision issues, such as permanent blindness. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience dryness, light sensitivity, halos, blurred vision, or other vision problems. 

Amiodarone can persist in your system for months after discontinuation, causing ongoing side effects. Inform all healthcare providers treating or prescribing medication for you that you recently stopped taking Cordarone. 

Cordarone use can lead to QT prolongation, a condition that may result in serious symptoms such as fast irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, and fainting. Immediate medical attention is necessary in such cases, though fatalities are rare. 

Inform your physician of your pregnancy status or intent to conceive. Avoid pregnancy during Cordarone usage as it may negatively impact the fetus. If you become pregnant, promptly discuss Cordarone’s potential advantages and disadvantages with your doctor. 

Breastfeeding is contraindicated during the use of Cordarone due to potential adverse effects on the nursing infant caused by amiodarone passing into breast milk.