What is Multaq? Uses, warnings & side effects
Multaq is a brand-name prescription drug that treats atrial fibrillation (AFib) in people with a stabilized heart rhythm. Clinicians use it to reduce the risk of hospitalization for future AFib episodes. Its active ingredient is dronedarone, an antiarrhythmic drug that slows down nerves in the heart. It can be a life-preserving drug but is not safe for people with certain types of heart problems. Therapy will require regular doctor’s visits and tests.
Multaq overview
BRAND NAMES:
Multaq
Generic Names:
Dronedarone
Uses:
Treats atrial fibrillation (Afib)
Therapeutic Classes:
Antiarrhythmic, potassium channel blocker
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Multaq used for?
Heart specialists use Multaq to prevent hospitalization for atrial fibrillation in people who have had persistent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation but whose heart rhythms have been restored to normal.
What form(s) does Multaq come in?
Tablet
400 mg
What are common Multaq dosages?
To reduce the risk of hospitalization in people with a history of atrial fibrillation: 400 mg tablet taken twice per day, once in the morning with a meal and once in the evening with a meal
Multaq images - What does Multaq look like?
Multaq
400mg tablet
How to take Multaq
The prescriber will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Please read the Medication Guide that comes with this medicine.
Take two doses daily.
Take one tablet with the morning meal and one tablet with the evening meal.
Swallow the tablet with a drink of liquid.
Do not stop taking Multaq until consulting with the prescriber.
Store Multaq tablets at room temperature.
What to do if you miss a dose of Multaq
Do not take a missed dose.
Take the next dose at its regular time.
Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.
Multaq contraindications - Who shouldn't take Multaq?
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if:
You have permanent atrial fibrillation that can’t be corrected to a normal rhythm
You have heart block or sick sinus syndrome and don’t have an implanted pacemaker
You have symptomatic heart failure that’s getting worse
You have severe heart failure (Class IV heart failure)
Your heart beats slower than 50 beats per minute
You have a heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation or PR prolongation
You have severe liver disease
You experienced lung or liver problems when taking the heart rhythm drug amiodarone
You have had an allergic reaction to dronedarone
Multaq warnings
Tell the doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:
Any other heart or heart rhythm problems
An implanted pacemaker
Liver problems
Kidney problems
Lung problems
Low potassium
Low magnesium
It is not safe to take dronedarone while pregnant. It could harm an unborn baby. Inform the prescriber immediately if you become pregnant.
Use effective birth control while taking dronedarone and until five days after the last dose is taken.
Do not breastfeed when taking Multaq or for five days after the last dose.
Multaq can cause serious problems including:
Heart failure
A heart rhythm abnormality called QT prolongation
Liver problems
Kidney problems and kidney failure
A severe lung problem called interstitial lung disease
Doctors will need regular visits and tests to monitor therapy. They will also need to perform heart tests every three months to make sure that the medicine can still be taken safely. Keep all appointments.
Multaq interactions & what to avoid when taking Multaq
Multaq can never be taken along with:
Class I heart rhythm drugs (sodium channel blockers such as quinidine, flecainide, procainamide, lidocaine, disopyramide, mexiletine, and propafenone)
Class III heart rhythm drugs (potassium channel blockers such as amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide, ibutilide, and bretylium)
Some types of macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin or clarithromycin
Oral azole antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole
Phenothiazine drugs such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
Cyclosporine, nefazodone, Paxlovid, ritonavir
Tell the doctor if you use any of the medications listed above.
To avoid other possible drug interactions, tell the prescriber about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take, particularly:
Heart rhythm drugs
Blood pressure drugs called beta blockers or calcium channel blockers
Cholesterol drugs called statins
Seizure medications
Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)
The herbal supplement St. John’s wort
Dabigatran, digoxin, rifampin, sirolimus, tacrolimus, warfarin
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
Multaq side effects - How does Multaq make you feel?
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:
Fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, wheezing, reduced exercise tolerance
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, shortness of breath
Numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Trouble speaking, confusion, dizziness, trouble walking, clumsiness, loss of balance
Slow heart rate or pulse
Nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, fever, fatigue, feeling sick, abdominal pain in the right upper area, dark urine, itchiness, yellow skin or eyes
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, dry cough, chest discomfort, unusual tiredness or weakness, appetite loss, unexplained weight loss
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Diarrhea
Weakness
Sources:
Multaq dronedarone tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Multaq drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
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