Country of origin - Slovenia, Krka d.d./Vector Slovenia
Pharm-Group - Antiarrhythmic drugs that slow down repolarization
Manufacturers - Krka d.d. (Slovenia), Krka d.d./Vector (Slovenia)
International name - Amiodarone
Synonyms - Aldarone, Amiodarone, Amiodarone Hexal, Amiodarone-Acri, Amiodarone-Rivofarm, Amiodarone-FPO, Vero-Amiodarone, Cardiodarone, Cordarone, Opakorden, Rhythmiodarone, Sedacoron
Dosage forms - tablets 200 mg, solution for injection 150 mg
Composition - Active substance - amiodarone.
Indications for use - Severe arrhythmias: atrial and ventricular extrasystole, WPW syndrome, atrial flutter and fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation; arrhythmias due to coronary or heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias in patients with Chagas myocarditis.
Contraindications - Hypersensitivity (including to iodine), thyroid dysfunction, sinus bradycardia, AV block, sinus insufficiency syndrome, severe conduction disturbances, cardiogenic shock.
Side effects - Retinal microdetachments, optic neuritis, pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonitis, pleurisy, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, hyper- or hypothyroidism, nausea, vomiting, liver dysfunction, peripheral neuropathies and/or myopathies, extrapyramidal tremor, ataxia, cranial hypertension , nightmares, bradycardia, asystole, AV block, alopecia, epididymitis, anemia, photosensitivity, allergic reactions.
Interaction - Enhances the effect of indirect anticoagulants, digitalis preparations. Increases the concentration of cyclosporine in the blood. Beta blockers increase the risk of hypotension and bradycardia. Cholestyramine reduces the half-life and plasma levels of amiodarone, while cimetidine increases it. Incompatible with calcium channel blockers.
Overdose - Symptoms: bradycardia, hypotension, AV block, electromechanical dissociation, cardiogenic shock, asystole, cardiac arrest.
Special instructions - ECG monitoring is required. Long-term treatment requires observation by an ophthalmologist, regular monitoring of thyroid function, and X-ray monitoring of the lungs. Should not be combined with beta blockers, verapamil, diltiazem, laxatives that stimulate gastrointestinal motility. Combine with caution with drugs that cause hypokalemia and prescribe to patients with severe and prolonged diarrhea.
Literature - Encyclopedia of Medicines 2004.