Indication: Class III antiarrhythmic for atrial fibrillation
Dosing:
-large loading dose is required due to long half life (800 to 1600 mg daily in divided doses)
-maintenance dose is around 100 to 400 mg daily
Adverse Effects: (MANY!)
-GI upset (take with food)
-thyroid irregularities (hypo or hyperthyroidism)
-blue pigmentation of skin (after very long time)
-QT prolongation and torsades de pointes (rare, but possible)
-bradycardia
-photosensitivity (wear sunscreen)
-elevated liver enzymes
-pulmonary fibrosis (rare)
-peripheral neuropathy
-corneal deposits (regular eye exams)
Drug Interactions:
Amiodarone is an inhibitor of CYP2D6, 2C9, 3A4, pgp (dirty drug)
-Caution due to many interactions (especially digoxin and warfarin)
-Increased bradycardia with beta blockers and calcium channel blockers
-QT prolongation risk when combined with other QT like drugs (ciprofloxacin, escitalopram)