{"id":53418,"date":"2022-08-23T11:04:46","date_gmt":"2022-08-23T15:04:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=53418"},"modified":"2024-11-21T10:21:43","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T15:21:43","slug":"amiodarone-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Amiodarone side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#common-amiodarone-side-effects\">Common amiodarone side effects<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"#serious-side-effects\">Serious side effects<\/a> | <a href=\"#pulmonary-toxicity\">Pulmonary toxicity<\/a> | <a href=\"#thyroid-dysfunction\">Thyroid dysfunction<\/a> | <a href=\"#hypotension\">Hypotension<\/a> | <a href=\"#optic-neuritis\">Optic neuritis<\/a> | <a href=\"#side-effects-timeline\">Side effects timeline<\/a> | <a href=\"#contraindications\">Contraindications<\/a> | <a href=\"#warnings\">Warnings<\/a> | <a href=\"#interactions\">Interactions<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-to-avoid-side-effects\">How to avoid side effects<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-to-treat-side-effects\">How to treat side effects<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amiodarone-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a generic prescription drug used to treat severe, life-threatening heart rhythm problems including prolonged fast heartbeats (tachycardia) and cases where the bottom chamber of the heart beats chaotically (ventricular fibrillation). Also prescribed as brand-name <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/pacerone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pacerone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, amiodarone is also used off-label to restore a normal heartbeat in people with atrial fibrillation. Amiodarone belongs to a class of drugs called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antiarrhythmics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antiarrhythmics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, drugs that change the rhythm of the heart. It also has serious and life-threatening side effects that can occur months after the drug has been stopped. However, amiodarone is only used when a person\u2019s life is at risk and usually when other drugs have failed, so its benefits typically outweigh its risks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-amiodarone-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of amiodarone<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, many of the most common side effects of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amiodarone-hcl\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amiodarone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be serious. One of the most common is amiodarone building up as microdeposits on and within the cornea. Although this may affect up to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jama\/fullarticle\/208819\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">90%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of people taking amiodarone over the long term, it is not an urgent medical problem. About <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16476650\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 out of 10 people<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will experience vision problems such as glare or halos because of these deposits. This could be bothersome so it is an important risk to be considered. The most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/13405\/amiodarone\/Adverse-Reactions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of amiodarone are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corneal microdeposits\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injection site reactions (in people receiving an IV)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow heart rate (bradycardia)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe lung problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart block<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin discoloration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thyroid problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sensitivity to sunlight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardiac arrest<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart rhythm problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insomnia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling bad<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cough<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flushing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreased liver function<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of amiodarone<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually, serious side effects are the rarest side effects of any drug, but for amiodarone, many are among the drug\u2019s most common side effects. Some are listed above, but the entire list of amiodarone\u2019s serious adverse effects is as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe lung problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thyroid problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart block<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardiac arrest<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Worsening of heart rhythm problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visual impairment or vision loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swollen pancreas<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe allergic reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"pulmonary-toxicity\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary toxicity<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone can cause serious lung problems, especially when used long-term. The FDA has mandated that the drug include a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/black-box-warning\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">black box warning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about pulmonary toxicity and swelling in the lungs, a problem that can affect up to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7ae393d1-7469-432a-9f21-f5ebab1207d1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of people given amiodarone. According to the FDA, up to 10% of these cases are fatal. Other possible lung problems include asthma (bronchospasm), water on the lungs, pneumonia, scarring (fibrosis), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and complete cessation of breathing. People who are most at risk are those with existing lung problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"thyroid-dysfunction\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thyroid dysfunction<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People given amiodarone may experience thyroid problems. Either the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jama\/fullarticle\/208819\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">affecting about 6% of patients<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) or, less commonly, too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism, affecting 2% of patients). This is because amiodarone has a lot of iodine\u2014about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3474631\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">37%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by weight. A maintenance dose of 400 mg daily could deliver 40 to 80 times the usual daily intake of iodine. Because an overactive thyroid could worsen heart rhythm problems, Amiodarone is used cautiously in people with thyroid problems. Regular blood tests may be needed for most patients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"hypotension\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypotension<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood pressure is one of amiodarone\u2019s most common side effects, especially when it\u2019s given as an intravenous injection. The exact incidence is unknown but may range between <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escardio.org\/Journals\/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice\/Volume-10\/Treatment-with-amiodarone-How-to-avoid-complications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/Pacerone--400-mg--amiodarone-hydrochloride-3488\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">70%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Because amiodarone widens blood vessels, people taking tablets also may see a drop in blood pressure, but not as severe or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4574515\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">life-threatening<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as those given intravenous amiodarone.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"optic-neuritis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optic neuritis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone is toxic to many tissues in the body including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamaneurology\/article-abstract\/797599\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nerves<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The longer amiodarone is taken, the more likely it will injure nerves. Although its incidence has not been determined, optic nerve injury due to amiodarone use is common enough that it even has a name: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5354097\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amiodarone-associated optic neuropathy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or AAON. It typically manifests after amiodarone has been taken for nine months but can happen at any time during treatment. Injury can range from mild and reversible visual impairment to permanent blindness. Many people will not notice the problem at first. Worse, the damage progresses slowly and may not be noticed for a while. One <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5354097\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> showed that as many as 20% of patients who suffered from AAON and stopped amiodarone eventually suffered from legal blindness in at least one eye. For this reason, healthcare professionals typically require people taking amiodarone over the long term to have their eyes regularly examined.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone side effects in elderly people<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People older than 65 have a greatly increased risk for side effects because of problems eliminating the drug from the body. In young adults, the half-life of amiodarone is 20 days. In seniors, this could be as high as 47 days. With such a long half-life, the drug can build up in the body, increasing its toxic effects on the thyroid gland, nerves, lungs, and other systems. In general, healthcare professionals are very cautious about using amiodarone in seniors, either choosing other less toxic antiarrhythmics or starting amiodarone at the lowest possible dose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"side-effects-timeline\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do amiodarone side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When taking many drugs, minor side effects improve as the body gets used to the drug. That\u2019s partly true for amiodarone, but amiodarone\u2019s side effects typically worsen the longer the drug is taken. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5354097\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About 50%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of long-term users quit amiodarone because of side effects. Many side effects improve when the dose is reduced or the medicine discontinued. However, with a half-life between 20 and 47 hours, it could take several days or weeks after the last dose of amiodarone for many side effects to improve.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the long-term side effects of amiodarone?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because amiodarone is toxic to many of the body\u2019s tissues, some side effects occur mainly due to long-term use. These include liver damage, lung problems, nerve damage, and vision loss. They can, however, happen at any time during treatment. Some of these may be reversible when the drug is discontinued. Some, like lung scarring or serious vision loss, may be long-term or lifelong conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"contraindications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone contraindications<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone should never be taken by people:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whose heart is unable to pump enough blood and oxygen to the rest of the body (cardiogenic shock)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who have heart block<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who have sick sinus syndrome (sinus node dysfunction), a condition in which the heart\u2019s natural \u201cpacemaker\u201d is not functioning properly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whose heart beats too slowly and who do not have a pacemaker to correct the problem<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who are allergic to amiodarone or iodine<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, any electrolyte imbalance will have to be corrected before amiodarone can be given.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though not contraindicated, amiodarone is considered a high risk when taken during pregnancy. Amiodarone crosses the placenta and can harm the fetus by adversely affecting its heart rate and thyroid function as well as slow its growth and cause problems with brain development.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though amiodarone is not contraindicated for nursing women, it is strongly advised that women stop breastfeeding when given amiodarone. The drug is present in breast milk and could compromise the infant\u2019s growth and viability.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fertility<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone may affect fertility in both men and women. The drug may need to be discontinued if pregnancy is being planned.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone is not approved by the FDA for use in children or adolescents.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"warnings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthcare professionals will use caution when prescribing amiodarone, but some situations are riskier than others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Black box warning<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FDA has attached an extensive set of black box warnings to amiodarone tablets. Please read these warnings in the drug information sheet when taking this drug. The FDA warns that amiodarone injections or tablets be used only for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias or rapid heartbeats and should only be started in a clinical setting capable of heart resuscitation. The warning also points out that amiodarone could cause serious and potentially fatal lung problems, damage the liver, and worsen heart rhythm problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cautions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of potential problems involving the heart, lungs, liver, nerves, or eyesight, amiodarone is used cautiously in people with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A heart rhythm problem called long QT syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congestive heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pacemaker<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Degenerative liver diseases such as cirrhosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lung disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thyroid disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any nerve disease including peripheral neuropathy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People on amiodarone who are undergoing surgery with general anesthesia will need to be monitored carefully before, during, and after surgery. Because amiodarone can build up on or inside the cornea, ophthalmologists are wary about performing eye surgery. Refractive laser surgery like Lasik is strongly discouraged or contraindicated in people taking amiodarone tablets.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abuse and dependence<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone is not associated with abuse, physical dependency, or withdrawal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immediately seek emergency medical care if too much amiodarone is taken. The effects can be fatal, particularly low blood pressure, heart block, slow heartbeat, and liver damage. No maximum dosage has been defined, so consider the dosage prescribed as the maximum dose allowed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div class=\"singlecare-dynamic-newsletter-wrapper sin-newsletter-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"heading\">Get our heart health newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<form class=\"form-wrapper\" data-newsletter-form=\"1\" data-subsource=\"Heart Health Newsletter\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"dynamic-email\">Email<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"dynamic-email\" class=\"email\" required>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class=\"submit-form-btn\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Click to sign up\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"success-message\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug interactions are a potential source of side effects when taking amiodarone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most importantly, amiodarone is used cautiously or contraindicated in drugs that can also affect the heart\u2019s rhythm, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other antiarrhythmic drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/beta-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beta blockers<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/calcium-channel-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calcium channel blockers<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azole <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antifungals\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antifungal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/quinolones\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluoroquinolone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/macrolides\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">macrolide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> antibiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/tricyclic-antidepressants\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tricyclic antidepressants<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/opioids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opioids<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antipsychotics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antipsychotic medications<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/digoxin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digoxin<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some drugs interfere with the body\u2019s ability to break down amiodarone. As a result, amiodarone levels rise in the body, increasing the risk of side effects and toxicity. Most of these drugs are used cautiously, but some are contraindicated:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azole antifungals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Macrolide antibiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluoroquinolone antibiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hiv-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HIV\/AIDS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hepatitis-c-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hepatitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> antiviral drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cimetidine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cimetidine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a stomach acid reducer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grapefruit juice<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, amiodarone enhances the blood-thinning effects of the anticoagulant <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/warfarin-sodium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">warfarin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/warfarin-sodium\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">warfarin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> doses will need to be lowered to prevent bleeding problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid amiodarone side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, it\u2019s difficult to evade side effects when taking amiodarone. A few tips, however, could help minimize the risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Follow all instructions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take amiodarone tablets exactly as instructed by the hospital or prescriber. Take the precise dose at the time you are told to. It\u2019s especially important not to inadvertently take too much medicine. Use an app or alarm to make sure doses are taken on time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Do not take a missed dose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a dose is missed, skip that dose. Wait until the next dose is scheduled and take that dose. Never take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Tell the prescriber about all medical conditions\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike many other prescription drugs, amiodarone is rarely prescribed by anyone except a cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in heart care. It is rarely prescribed without an extensive medical history and tests that include blood tests and chest x-rays. Still, make sure the prescriber knows about every single medical condition, particularly:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lung or breathing problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thyroid problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low electrolyte levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upcoming surgery<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Do not take drugs or supplements without talking to a doctor\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Again, the prescriber should already know about all drugs being taken before amiodarone is prescribed. However, these drugs may change, so keep the prescriber informed about any new prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or dietary supplements being taken, especially:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antibiotic or anti-infective therapies (even if short-term)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart rhythm drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood thinners<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood pressure drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/statins\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Statins<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opioids<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antidepressants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other drugs that treat mental health issues<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/st-johns-wort\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St. John\u2019s wort<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Keep all follow-up visits\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone is a very risky medicine, so healthcare professionals will carefully monitor its effects. This will involve follow-up visits, blood tests, ECGs, chest x-rays, and even eye exams. It\u2019s important to keep all appointments so that problems can be spotted before it\u2019s too late.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Carry a medication card\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a general rule, it\u2019s a good idea to always carry a medication card or bracelet that indicates you are using drugs like amiodarone. This will help healthcare professionals make the right decisions when there are problems or emergencies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grapefruits include a compound that can slow the body\u2019s ability to clear amiodarone, raising the risk of side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Use sunscreen\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone makes the skin vulnerable to sunburn, so either avoid going out into direct sunlight or use a high SPF sunscreen and wear protective clothing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-treat-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to treat side effects of amiodarone<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of amiodarone\u2019s side effects involve serious medical conditions that will require either a doctor\u2019s medical advice or immediate medical attention. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of these possible side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact the prescriber or get medical help if there are any signs of heart problems, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Racing heartbeats<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irregular heartbeats<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lightheadedness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid weight gain<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone can cause serious lung problems, so any trouble breathing should be immediately reported to the prescriber or other healthcare professional. Other symptoms of serious lung problems include coughing up blood, wheezing, and chest pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone can damage the liver, so immediately tell the prescriber about signs of liver damage such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain in the upper abdomen<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dark or smelly urine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pale stools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yellowing of the skin or eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nerve problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact the prescriber or other healthcare professional at any sign of nerve problems, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weird skin sensations like tingling or burning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Numbness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coordination problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Problems walking<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eye problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone can cause serious damage to the nerves in the eye, so get immediate medical attention if you experience signs of eye problems such as blurred vision, diminished peripheral vision, or pain behind the eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thyroid problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amiodarone can either increase or decrease the activity of the thyroid. Both are serious problems and may worsen heart rhythm issues. Contact the prescriber if any signs of thyroid problems are experienced such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neck swelling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleepiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restlessness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unwanted weight loss or weight gain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased sensitivity to heat or cold<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble concentrating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sweating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tremor<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Common amiodarone side effects\u00a0| Serious side effects | Pulmonary toxicity | Thyroid dysfunction | Hypotension | Optic neuritis | Side effects timeline | Contraindications | Warnings | Interactions | How to avoid side effects | How to treat side effects Amiodarone is a generic prescription drug used to treat severe, life-threatening heart rhythm problems including [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":53423,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[737,12752],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-53418","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-heart-health","tag-medication-side-effects","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Amiodarone side effects and how to avoid them | SingleCare<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Pulmonary toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and hypotension are common amiodarone side effects. Learn how long side effects of amiodarone last and how to avoid them.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Amiodarone side effects and how to avoid them\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Pulmonary toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and hypotension are common amiodarone side effects. Learn how long side effects of amiodarone last and how to avoid them.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Checkup\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-08-23T15:04:46+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-11-21T15:21:43+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/amiodarone-side-effects-1.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"SingleCare Team\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@SingleCare\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@SingleCare\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"SingleCare Team\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/amiodarone-side-effects\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/amiodarone-side-effects\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"SingleCare Team\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/403ef50a9f402fb9ce49c429659555f5\"},\"headline\":\"Amiodarone side effects and how to avoid them\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-08-23T15:04:46+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-11-21T15:21:43+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/amiodarone-side-effects\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2366,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/amiodarone-side-effects\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/08\\\/amiodarone-side-effects-1.png\",\"keywords\":[\"Heart health\",\"Medication side effects\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Drug Info\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/amiodarone-side-effects\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/amiodarone-side-effects\\\/\",\"name\":\"Amiodarone side effects and how to avoid them | SingleCare\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/amiodarone-side-effects\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/amiodarone-side-effects\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/08\\\/amiodarone-side-effects-1.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-08-23T15:04:46+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-11-21T15:21:43+00:00\",\"description\":\"Pulmonary toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and hypotension are common amiodarone side effects. Learn how long side effects of amiodarone last and how to avoid them.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/amiodarone-side-effects\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/amiodarone-side-effects\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/amiodarone-side-effects\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/08\\\/amiodarone-side-effects-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/08\\\/amiodarone-side-effects-1.png\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1080,\"caption\":\"Rx pill bottle: Amiodarone side effects\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/amiodarone-side-effects\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Amiodarone side effects and how to avoid them\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"The Checkup, a health blog by SingleCare\",\"description\":\"Read the latest in prescription, wellness, and healthcare news\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"SingleCare\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/placeholderimage-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/placeholderimage-1.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":630,\"caption\":\"SingleCare\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/singlecare\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/SingleCare\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/singlecare\\\/?hl=en\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/singlecare\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/channel\\\/UCd9kiPIjCQw95-2BHCYePKA\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/403ef50a9f402fb9ce49c429659555f5\",\"name\":\"SingleCare Team\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/7c56ea35da6164263b446caa5424dd8beeb331518803b6043b40932812936fb2?s=96&d=mm&r=gcda8e0f4c5718cb7f68c0ee812f6fafb\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/7c56ea35da6164263b446caa5424dd8beeb331518803b6043b40932812936fb2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/7c56ea35da6164263b446caa5424dd8beeb331518803b6043b40932812936fb2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"SingleCare Team\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/singlecareteam\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Amiodarone side effects and how to avoid them | SingleCare","description":"Pulmonary toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and hypotension are common amiodarone side effects. Learn how long side effects of amiodarone last and how to avoid them.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Amiodarone side effects and how to avoid them","og_description":"Pulmonary toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and hypotension are common amiodarone side effects. Learn how long side effects of amiodarone last and how to avoid them.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/","og_site_name":"The Checkup","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare","article_published_time":"2022-08-23T15:04:46+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-11-21T15:21:43+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/amiodarone-side-effects-1.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"SingleCare Team","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@SingleCare","twitter_site":"@SingleCare","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"SingleCare Team","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/"},"author":{"name":"SingleCare Team","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/403ef50a9f402fb9ce49c429659555f5"},"headline":"Amiodarone side effects and how to avoid them","datePublished":"2022-08-23T15:04:46+00:00","dateModified":"2024-11-21T15:21:43+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/"},"wordCount":2366,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/amiodarone-side-effects-1.png","keywords":["Heart health","Medication side effects"],"articleSection":["Drug Info"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/","name":"Amiodarone side effects and how to avoid them | SingleCare","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/amiodarone-side-effects-1.png","datePublished":"2022-08-23T15:04:46+00:00","dateModified":"2024-11-21T15:21:43+00:00","description":"Pulmonary toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and hypotension are common amiodarone side effects. Learn how long side effects of amiodarone last and how to avoid them.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/amiodarone-side-effects-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/amiodarone-side-effects-1.png","width":1920,"height":1080,"caption":"Rx pill bottle: Amiodarone side effects"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amiodarone-side-effects\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Amiodarone side effects and how to avoid them"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/","name":"The Checkup, a health blog by SingleCare","description":"Read the latest in prescription, wellness, and healthcare news","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"SingleCare","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/placeholderimage-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/placeholderimage-1.jpg","width":1200,"height":630,"caption":"SingleCare"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare","https:\/\/x.com\/SingleCare","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/singlecare\/?hl=en","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/singlecare\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCd9kiPIjCQw95-2BHCYePKA"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/403ef50a9f402fb9ce49c429659555f5","name":"SingleCare Team","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/7c56ea35da6164263b446caa5424dd8beeb331518803b6043b40932812936fb2?s=96&d=mm&r=gcda8e0f4c5718cb7f68c0ee812f6fafb","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/7c56ea35da6164263b446caa5424dd8beeb331518803b6043b40932812936fb2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/7c56ea35da6164263b446caa5424dd8beeb331518803b6043b40932812936fb2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"SingleCare Team"},"url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/author\/singlecareteam\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53418","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=53418"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53418\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/53423"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=53418"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=53418"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=53418"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=53418"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}