Amiodarone is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. This means that amiodarone will help to keep the heartbeat normal in individuals who have arrhythmias. Arrhythmias are heart palpitations or disorders of an irregular beating heart. Ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation are disorders of the ventricles, which are the lower chambers of the heart. Amiodarone will allow better blood flow through and out of the heart to prevent arrhythmias. Because Amiodarone is active in the heart and body, there are many side effects associated with its use.
Liver Enzymes
In individuals taking Amiodarone, liver enzymes may be increased. These enzymes are called ALT and AST and are found to be at twice the normal level in about 15 to 50 percent of people. Another enzyme, called alkaline phosphate, may also be elevated in about 10 to 40 percent of people.
Thyroid Function Chnages
Changes in thyroid function may be seen with the use of Amiodarone. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been reported. Sign and symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, constipation, cold intolerance, dry skin, fatigue and hair loss. It is more common than hyperthyroidism and occurs in up to 22 percent of people. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by nervousness, anxiety, palpitations, heat intolerance, weight loss without reason and fatigue. According to the Drug Information Handbook, it occurs in 3 to 10 percent of people and is more common in iodine-deficient regions of the world.
Pulmonary Toxicity
Pulmonary toxicity is the most serious effect, occurring in about 2 to 7 percent of people. According to the Drug Information Handbook, some reports have shown that up to 17 percent may experience this side effect. Pulmonary toxicity may develop as pneumonitis or inflammation of the lung tissues. It may also present as pulmonary fibrosis, which is an inflammatory lung disorder, due to an abnormal formation of the tissue between the air sacs. Pulmonary fibrosis may cause cough, malaise and fever. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is breathing failure that has been reported in up 2 percent of people taking Amiodarone.
Effects on the Brain
There are many functions of the brain that are affected when Amiodarone is administered. In about 3 to 40 percent of people, the following effects may be seen: abnormal gait, poor coordination, impaired memory, tremor, involuntary movements, headache, dizziness and fatigue. Avoid driving and use caution in activities that require alertness.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are seen in about 10 to 33 percent of people. Try eating small, frequent meals or chewing gum to avoid these. Constipation may be seen in up to 33 percent of people; be sure to eat plenty of fruits and get an adequate amount of fiber in your diet. Abdominal pain and abnormal taste have also been reported.
Effects on the Eyes
Corneal microdeposits are seen in practically all people who take Amiodarone. This may lead to visual disturbances in about 10 percent of people, such as diplopia (double vision) and blurred vision. Sensitivity to light and itching of the eyes may also occur. Halo vision, particularly at night, has occurred in less than 5 percent of people.
Effects on the Skin
Amiodarone may affect the skin, with the most common side effect being photosensitivity. Photosensitivity, which is sensitivity to sunlight, can be seen in up to 75 percent of individuals. Bluish-gray skin pigmentation may occur in less than 10 percent of people.
References
- "Drug Information Handbook 15th Edition"; Charles F. Lacy, RPh, PharmD, FCSHP, Lora L. Armstrong, RPh, PharmD, BCPS. et al; 2007
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al; 2008
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