What is amiodarone hydrochloride used for?

It is used to treat life-threatening irregular heartbeats like ventricular fibrillation and unstable tachycardia in adults.

How long does amiodarone stay in my system?

Amiodarone stays in the body a long time; it can take 15 to 142 days to leave, meaning side effects can last for weeks after you stop taking it.

Can amiodarone cause lung problems?

Yes, it can cause lung toxicity, which may include a cough and difficulty breathing; this can sometimes be fatal.

Does amiodarone affect my thyroid?

Yes, amiodarone can cause either an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

Can I take amiodarone if I am pregnant?

Use during pregnancy may increase risks to the fetus, such as thyroid issues or growth restriction, so it must be carefully managed.

Will amiodarone affect my vision?

It can cause corneal deposits in the eyes, and in rare cases, it may lead to optic nerve damage or blindness.

Should I take amiodarone with food?

It is recommended to take the tablets consistently with meals to help with absorption and stomach comfort.

What should I do if I experience a side effect from amiodarone?

You should report suspected adverse reactions to your doctor or contact the FDA via MedWatch.

Amiodarone Hydrochloride | CAS 19774-82-4 | ITPDYQOUSLNIHG

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Antiarrhythmic

Amiodarone hydrochloride is a serious heart medication used to treat life-threatening irregular heartbeats. Because it stays in your body for a long time and can affect your lungs, liver, and thyroid, it requires close medical monitoring.

How it worksThis drug works by blocking certain electrical channels in the heart (sodium, potassium, and calcium channels) to help slow down and stabilize irregular heart rhythms.

Brand names:NEXTERONE, CORDARONE, AMIODARONE HYDROCHLORIDE

Used for

Life-threatening recurrent ventricular fibrillationLife-threatening recurrent unstable fast heart rates (tachycardia)

Conditions

Life-threatening recurrent ventricular fibrillationLife-threatening recurrent hemodynamically unstable tachycardia

Class

AntiarrhythmicClass III AntiarrhythmicCardiovascularRespiratoryEndocrineHepaticOcular

How to take

FormsOral tablets (200 mg), Injectable solution

RoutesOral, Injection

Doctors will tailor the dose to your specific needs. Treatment often starts with a high 'loading dose' (800 to 1600 mg per day) for 1 to 3 weeks, followed by a gradual reduction to a maintenance dose, often around 400 mg per day.

It is best to take these tablets consistently with meals. If you take more than 1000 mg a day, your doctor might suggest splitting the doses with meals.

Key warnings

Amiodarone can cause serious damage to your lungs, liver, and heart. It may cause lung toxicity that can be fatal in about 10% of cases. Regular chest X-rays and lung function tests are required.

·Amiodarone can cause serious damage to your lungs, liver, and heart. It may cause lung toxicity that can be fatal in about 10% of cases. Regular chest X-rays and lung function tests are required.
·Side effects and drug interactions can last for weeks or months after you stop taking the drug.
·It can cause eye problems that may rarely lead to blindness.
·It can cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
·It may cause lung inflammation or scarring.

Do not use if

·Cardiogenic shock
·Sick sinus syndrome
·Certain types of heart block (second- or third-degree AV block)
·Slow heart rate that causes fainting without a pacemaker
·Known allergy to amiodarone or iodine

Side effects

Common

Vision changes (such as corneal deposits)Thyroid problems (overactive or underactive thyroid)Skin discoloration or sensitivity to sunlightLiver enzyme changesNausea or stomach issues

Serious

·Lung toxicity (cough or breathing difficulties)
·Liver injury
·Worsened heart rhythm
·Vision loss or optic nerve damage
·Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Seek help if

·Cough or shortness of breath
·Vision changes
·Fainting or very slow heart rate
·Yellowing of skin or eyes

Interactions

·Drugs that affect heart rhythm (like lithium or certain antibiotics) can increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythms.
·Certain heart medications (like digoxin or beta blockers) can cause your heart rate to drop too low.
·Grapefruit juice and certain antifungals can increase the amount of the drug in your system.
·St. John's Wort may decrease the effectiveness of the drug.

FoodFood increases how much of the drug your body absorbs.

Special populations

PregnancyUsing amiodarone during pregnancy may increase risks to the baby, including thyroid issues, slow heart rate, and growth restriction. The drug can pass from the mother to the baby through the placenta.

BreastfeedingInformation regarding breastfeeding is not explicitly provided, but the drug is known to have significant effects on hormone and heart function.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of amiodarone hydrochloride in children have not been established.

GeriatricElderly patients may clear the drug more slowly. Doctors usually start older patients on lower doses due to a higher risk of existing health issues or other medications.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Lung function and chest X-rays
·Thyroid function
·Liver enzymes
·Heart rate and rhythm
·Vision

Questions to ask

·What are the signs of lung toxicity I should watch for?
·How often will I need chest X-rays and liver tests?
·Will this interact with my other heart medications?
·How will this affect my thyroid function?

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life15 to 142 days (drug); 14 to 75 days (metabolite)

BioavailabilityApproximately 50%

MetabolismMetabolized to desethylamiodarone

Practical

OverdoseOverdose can be fatal. Symptoms may include a very slow heart rate or low blood pressure. Medical monitoring of heart rhythm and blood pressure is necessary.

Ingredients

Allergens

lactose

Inactive

colloidal silicon dioxidelactose monohydratemagnesium stearatepovidonesodium starch glycolate

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.