Amiodarone

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Joseph Blais, Pharmacist

Last updated on 18/03/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Amiodarone

CHINESE NAME: 胺碘酮

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Adarone, Cordarone 臟得樂, Sedacoron

DRUG CLASS: Antiarrhythmic agent (Class III)

USED FOR: Supraventricular arrhythmia (e.g. Atrial fibrillation), ventricular arrhythmia

OTHER DRUGS IN THE SAME CLASS: Sotalol, Dronedarone

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS:
– 200mg (tablets)
– 150mg/3ml (injections)

What is Amiodarone for?

Amiodarone belongs to a class of medications called Antiarrhythmic agents. It is used to treat certain types of abnormal heartbeats.

How to use it?

Amiodarone can be taken orally or by injection. The usual maintenance dose is 100-200 mg once daily.

What are the side effects of Amiodarone?

Common effects include low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to sunlight, and liver problems. More severe side effects can affect eyesight, respiratory, and thyroid functions.

Who should not take Amiodarone?

Anyone who is sensitive to Amiodarone or any ingredients in the medicine.

Pharmacist Tips:

– As Amiodarone alters heart rate and blood pressure, check heart rate and blood pressure on a regular basis as recommended by your doctor.
– As you may get sunburned more easily, apply sunscreen and wear clothing that protects you from the sun.
– You may have regular eye checks, chest X-ray, liver, and thyroid function tests regularly as directed by your doctor.

Common dosing schedule:
Amiodarone can be taken with or without food. Take it at the same time on a daily basis. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Amiodarone.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Amiodarone may interact with:
– Digoxin
– Colchicine
– Cyclosporine
– Anticoagulants, e.g. Warfarin, Dabigatran

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, as dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Amiodarone in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Amiodarone is a prescription-only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk/

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Amiodarone in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.