Brand name: AMIODARONE - ORAL (am-ee-OH-duh-rown)
GENERIC NAME: amiodarone
BRAND NAME: Cordarone

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Amiodarone is used to correct abnormal rhythms of the heart (an antiarrhythmic medication). Amiodarone was discovered in 1961. Amiodarone was approved by the FDA for clinical use as an antiarrhythmic agent in December of 1985. Although amiodarone has many side effects, some of which are severe and potentially fatal, it has been successful in treating many arrhythmias where other antiarrhythmics fail. Amiodarone is considered a "broad spectrum" antiarrhythmic medication, that is, it has multiple and complex effects on the electrical activity of the heart which is responsible for the heart's rhythm. Among its most important electrical effects are:

1. a delay in the rate at which the heart's electrical system "recharges" after the heart contracts (repolarization);
2. a prolongation in the electrical phase during which the heart's muscle cells are electrically stimulated (action potential);
3. a slowing of the speed of electrical conduction (how fast each individual impulse is conducted through the heart's electrical system);
4. a reduction in the rapidity of firing of the normal generator of electrical impulses in the heart (the heart's pacemaker);
5. a slowing of conduction through various specialized electrical pathways (called accessory pathways) which can be responsible for arrhythmias.

In addition to being an antiarrhythmic medication, amiodarone also causes blood vessels to dilate (enlarge). This effect can result in a drop in blood pressure. Because of this effect it also may be of benefit in patients with congestive heart failure.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablets (pink), round in shape: 200mg.

STORAGE: Tablets should be kept at room temperature, less than 30°C (86°F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Amiodarone is used for many serious arrhythmias of the heart including ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and atrial flutter.

DOSING: Amiodarone usually is given in several daily doses to minimize stomach upset which is seen more frequently with higher doses. For this same reason, it is also recommended that amiodarone be taken with meals.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Amiodarone may interact with beta- blockers such as ateno