Cordarone
Amiodarone
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Cordarpne
Cordarone is a broad spectrum drug, which is used for treatment of heart rhythm disorders. Also, Cordarone causes blood vessels to dilate, so it can be used to treat high blood pressure.
This drug is used for various types of arrhythmias. It influences the electrical activity of the heart muscle. Particularly, it prolongs the so called repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential. Simply put, it prolongs the recharging of the heart’s electrical system. Also, it slows down electrical conduction via cardiac electrical pathways and electrical impulse generation process.
Although the drug was discovered in 1961, it was not until 1985 that it received FDA approval, most likely, due to some serious side effects that have occurred in some patients.
Therapeutic Uses of Cordarone
Cordarone is a prescription drug, which must be used under direct supervision of a qualified physician. No antiarrythmic is known to reduce the possibility of sudden death due to arrhythmia, and Cordarone is no exception.
Due to its strong potential for life-threatening side effects and toxicity, Cordarone can be administered in cases whereby other drugs haven’t worked or haven’t been tolerated. For the most part, Cordarone is administered orally to treat ventricular arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia, recurrent ventricular fibrillation and atrial fibrillation. However, if the patient is unable to take the medicine orally, it can be administered through injection. Treatment should continue until heart beat is stabilized and fibrillation disappears.
It is not uncommon for antiarrhythmic drugs to cause arrhythmia and fibrillation to get worse. Therefore, patients must undergo a complete examination prior to Cordarone treatment. Doctors must weigh all risks and benefits of such treatment beforehand, based on the patient’s overall condition.
Direction of use of Cordarone
Most commonly, Cordarone is taken by mouth. Dosage and schedule must be determined by the qualified doctor supervising you. You can take Cordarone with or without food, but it is important that you stick to just one way of using it. Discuss with your physicians the drug you have used before and adverse reactions, if you have ever had any. Once you have determined the course, follow it. Do not stop using the drug or change dose without the doctor’s direction. If things get worse, stop using the drug and contact him/her immediately.
Dose of Cordarone, if Missed
If you have missed a dose, please, do not take a double dose. Failure to abide by the dosage prescribed to you may cause your condition to deteriorate. Contact your doctor immediately.
How to Store Cordarone
Cordarone must be stored in a secure place and safely away from children. Store the drug at room temperature. Do not expose it to direct sunlight, heat or moisture. Do not store Cordarone in bathroom or kitchen.
More Information About Cordarone
Cordarone interacts with most drugs used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. If you are going to take Cordarone, chances are you are going to have to reduce or stop taking other drugs. For example, if you are taking digoxin as well, your doctor may require that you cut your digoxin dose by half or stop using it. The same thing goes with warfarin. Most interesting, you must be more careful drinking grapefruit juice, because it may increase plasma level of Cordarone.
There are some other drugs, the action of which may be affected by Cordarone. For instance, it may take more time for sildenafil, theophylline, quinidine, flecainide, etc., to wash out of the body, because Cordarone inhibits cytochrome P450 isozymes.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Cordarone
In some patients, Cordarone may trigger an opposite effect, which can be extremely dangerous. For this reason, Cordarone must be administered by a highly experienced cardiologist, and patients must be monitored thoroughly and incessantly. Should any signs of adverse reactions occur, Cordarone treatment must be stopped immediately.
Do not take Cordarone if you are allergic to any of its components. Avoid driving while using Cordarone. This drug should not be used during pregnancy or lactation.
Do not use Cordarone if you have underlying liver, thyroid or pulmonary dysfunctions. If you are planning to visit a dentist, notify him/her that you are using or have recently used Cordarone. This drug stays in the body for weeks following the cessation of use.
Cordarone can make you sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, it is highly advisable to beware of sunburns and refrain from visiting tanning salons.
Improper use of Cordarone may contribute to QT prolongation – a potentially fatal condition, which is characterized by irregular heart beat.
Possible Adverse Effects
Cordarone must be used with extreme caution. Some of the side effects caused by it can be dangerous and even lethal. These are unexpected arrhythmic reactions, fibrillation, cirrhotic hepatitis, thyroid disorders and pulmonary fibrosis.
Elderly patients or those with underlying lung diseases are most likely to develop pulmonary fibrosis after a while since the treatment is started. Therefore, if you have shortness of breath, cough, weakness, weight loss, tell your doctor and have your lungs screened for pulmonary fibrosis.
If you have chest pain or your heart beat gets out of order, these may be signs of the notorious opposite reaction, which is not uncommon for antiarrhythmic drugs. This is also a case whereby you must stop taking Cordarone.
If you have thinning of hair, restlessness, nervousness, sudden weight loss, heat intolerance or lump at the bottom of the neck, you may be dealing with a thyroid problem.
If you have persistent loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine, yellowing skin and eyes, you must be dealing with a Cordaron-related liver dysfunction.
If you develop any of these side effects or have the slightest sign of these, contact your health care provider immediately.