Notes for: Anti-Arrhythmic DrugsLast edited [19/12/2011 10:04:15]
Amiodarone has a very long half-life (extending to several weeks). Following an oral loading dose (eg TDS for 1 week then BD for a further week) maintenance doses are administered ONCE DAILY. The BNF recommends six-monthly TFTs (T3, T4 and TSH) and LFTs.
Amiodarone may cause:
-
Phototoxic skin reactions (may persist forat least 5 months after stopping) - advise patient to use total sunblock
-
Pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis
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Corneal microdeposits
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Neurological symptoms such as tremor and tingling
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Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism
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Drug interactions eg warfarin (approx. a third of 'normal' warfarin dose required), digoxin (approx. half of 'normal' digoxin dose required)
Refer to the latest edition of BNF for full information.
Last edited [19/12/2011 10:05:28]Drug Safety Update Oct11 advises new restrictions on use of dronedarone and regular monitoring of cardiac, liver and renal function during treatment is recommended.
Last edited [09/08/2013 16:09:32]Guidance on dronedarone for the treatment of non-permanent atrial fibrillation was issued by NICE in August 2010 (click here). It is an option for the treatment of non-permanent atrial fibrillation only in patients who:
- are not controlled on first line therapy (usually including beta-blockers), and
- do not have unstable New York Heart Association class III or IV heart failure, and
- have at least one cardiovascular risk factor from the following: hypertension managed by at least two different drug classes, diabetes mellitus, previous transient ischaemic attack, stroke, or systemic embolism; left atrial diameter >50mm, left ventricular ejection <40%; age >70yrs.
Notes for: Drugs For ArrhythmiasLast edited [01/04/2011 10:40:55]Amiodarone has a very long half-life (extending to several weeks). Following an oral loading dose (eg TDS for 1 week then BD for a further week) maintenance doses are administered ONCE DAILY. The BNF recommends six-monthly TFTs (T3, T4 and TSH) and LFTs. Amiodarone may cause:
- Phototoxic skin reactions (may persist for at least 5 months after stopping) - advise patient to use total sunblock
- Pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis
- Corneal microdeposits
- Neurological symptoms such as tremor and tingling
- Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism
- Drug interactions eg warfarin (approx. a third of 'normal' warfarin dose required), digoxin (approx. half of 'normal' digoxin dose required)
Refer to the latest edition of BNF for full information.