TabletsClinical Overview
Amiodarone Hydrochloride is a broad-spectrum Class III antiarrhythmic agent on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It predominantly blocks voltage-gated potassium channels, prolonging myocardial action potential duration and effective refractory period across all cardiac tissues, while also exhibiting Class I (sodium channel block), Class II (antiadrenergic non-competitive beta-block), and Class IV (calcium channel block) actions. Features an enormous volume of distribution and an elimination half-life of 40 to 60 days. Indicated for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation) and supraventricular arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation/flutter).
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Take orally with meals with water to decrease gastrointestinal upset. Swallow whole. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which drastically increases amiodarone levels. Strict adherence to loading and maintenance dosing schedules directed by your electrophysiologist.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Corneal microdeposits (asymptomatic), photosensitivity (sunburn, slate-blue skin discoloration), nausea, constipation, tremor, ataxia. Rare/Severe: Boxed warnings: Fatal pulmonary toxicity (interstitial pneumonitis/alveolitis), severe hepatotoxicity, exacerbation of fatal arrhythmias; thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism due to iodine content), and optic neuropathy.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Black box warnings: Fatal pulmonary toxicity, severe hepatotoxicity, and proarrhythmic effects. Baseline and periodic chest X-ray/PFTs, liver function tests, thyroid panels (TSH, T3, T4), and ECG (QTc) are mandatory. Avoid sun exposure and use high-SPF sunscreen. Interacts strongly with warfarin (doubles INR) and digoxin (doubles digoxin level).
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a registered medical practitioner or qualified cardiologist/pharmacist before initiating, altering, or substituting any cardiovascular medication.