Cardiologists

Cardiodarone is an antiarrhythmic drug that is used to treat severe heart rhythm disorders. The drug is produced in Russia at the Shchelkovo Vitamin Plant and the Novosibirsk Pharmaceutical Factory. The international name of the drug is Amiodarone, and synonyms include Aldarone, Amiodarone Hexal, Amiodarone-Acri, Amiodarone-Rivopharm, Amiodarone-FPO, Amiocordin, Vero-Amiodarone, Cordarone, Opacorden, Rhythmiodarone and Sedacoron.

Cardiodarone belongs to the group of antiarrhythmic drugs that slow down repolarization. It is used to treat severe arrhythmias, including atrial and ventricular premature beats, WPW syndrome, atrial flutter and fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, arrhythmias secondary to coronary artery disease or heart failure, and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with Chagas myocarditis.

However, like any other medical drug, Cardiodarone has its contraindications and side effects. It should not be used by people who have hypersensitivity to amiodarone or iodine, or those with sinus bradycardia, AV block, sinus insufficiency syndrome, severe conduction disturbances, and cardiogenic shock. In addition, the drug may cause side effects such as 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.

It is also worth considering possible interactions of the drug with other drugs. Cardiodarone enhances the effect of indirect anticoagulants and digitalis drugs, increases the concentration of cyclosporine in the blood and is incompatible with calcium channel blockers. Beta blockers when combined with Cardiodarone may increase the risk of hypotension and bradycardia.

When prescribing Cardiodarone, mandatory medical supervision and compliance with the recommended dosage are necessary. Treatment should begin with a minimum dose, gradually increasing it to therapeutic effectiveness. The interval between taking Cardiodarone and other medications should be at least 4 hours.

Before starting treatment with Cardiodarone, it is necessary to conduct an electrocardiogram, evaluate the function of the thyroid gland, conduct a study of liver function and determine the level of iodine in the body. During treatment, electrolyte balance, thyroid function, liver function and pulmonary function should be regularly monitored.

Overall, Cardiodarone is an effective drug for the treatment of severe heart rhythm disorders. However, its use should only be carried out under the supervision of a physician and in compliance with all recommendations for dosage and monitoring of side effects.