Amiodarone is an anti-arrhythmic medication that's available as a prescription only. It's approved for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, which are disorders of the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). These disorders can cause arrhythmias, which are disturbances of the heartbeat. Amiodarone prevents the disturbances by providing better flow into and out of the heart. Amiodarone can cause many side effects due to its action on the heart and the body.
Thyroid Function Changes
Thyroid function may change during the administration of amiodarone, with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism occurring in many people. Hypothyroidism occurs in up to 22 percent of people. Weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation, fatigue and hair loss are signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism occurs in about 3 percent to 10 percent of people and may be more common in areas of the world where people don't get enough iodine in their diets. Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include anxiety, nervousness, palpitations, weight loss without reason, fatigue and heat intolerance.
Pulmonary Toxicity
Pulmonary toxicity is a serious side effect that occurs in about 5 percent of people but has been seen in up 17 percent of people. Pulmonary toxicity may present in several ways. One is pneumonitis, the inflammation of lung tissues. Pulmonary fibrosis may be also seen and can cause cough, malaise and fever. This is due to the inflammation caused by abnormal formation of the tissue between the air sacs. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a breathing failure, may be present in 2 percent of people on amiodarone.
Increased Liver Enzymes
Liver enzymes may be elevated in people taking amiodarone. According to the Drug Information Handbook, 15 percent to 50 percent of people have the enzymes ALT and AST that's twice the normal level. About 10 percent to 40 percent of people may experience an increase in alkaline phosphate, another hepatic enzyme.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are seen with the administration of amiodarone and is common in 10 percent to 33 percent of people. Eating small, frequent meals or sucking on lozenges may help with these side effects. Up to 33 percent of people may experience constipation. Therefore, it's important to get enough fiber in your diet. Similar symptoms, such as abdominal pain and abnormal taste, have also been reported.
Effects on the Brain
Amiodarone affects many functions of the brain and is seen in up to 40 percent of people. These side effects include abnormal gait, poor coordination, tremor, involuntary movements, impaired memory, dizziness, headache and fatigue. Use caution while driving or engaging in any activity that requires mental alertness.
Effects on the Eyes
Amiodarone leads to corneal microdeposits in almost all people. In about 10 percent of people, these deposits in the eye lead to visual disturbances. These include diplopia, or double vision; blurred vision; photophobia, or sensitivity to sunlight; and itchiness. Halo vision, noted in fewer than 5 percent of people, is more common at night.
Effects on the Skin
The most common side effect involving the skin is photosensitivity, or sensitivity to sunlight. This effect may be seen in 10 percent to 75 percent of people. A bluish-gray skin discoloration may occur in fewer 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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