Amiodarone Medications

Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used to control irregular heartbeats, particularly ventricular arrhythmias, by affecting cardiac electrical activity.

Cardarone

Amiodarone

$1.76 per pill

200mg

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About Amiodarone

Amiodarone is a highly potent anti-arrhythmic medication used to restore and maintain normal heart rhythm in serious ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. It belongs to the class III anti-arrhythmic group, primarily blocking cardiac potassium channels to prolong the action potential and refractory period. The drug is sold under several brand names, including Cordarone and Nexterone, and is widely available in generic form. While its principal indications cover life-threatening ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and rhythm control for atrial fibrillation, clinicians sometimes employ it off-label for refractory atrial flutter and certain postoperative arrhythmias when other agents fail.

What is Amiodarone?

Amiodarone is classified as a class III anti-arrhythmic agent. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved it for the Australian market in the early -s, initially for ventricular tachycardia and later expanded to atrial fibrillation and other life-threatening rhythm disturbances. The drug exerts its anti-arrhythmic effect by inhibiting the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr), which lengthens the cardiac action potential and stabilises myocardial excitability. It also blocks sodium, calcium, and both α- and β-adrenergic receptors, contributing to its broad electrophysiological impact. Amiodarone is supplied as tablets, intravenous solution, and, in some regions, as a low-dose oral suspension, both as branded products and as cheaper generic equivalents that can be found through our online pharmacy.

How Amiodarone Works

Mechanism of Action

Amiodarone binds to the hERG potassium channel, reducing IKr flow and thereby extending phase 3 repolarisation. This prolongs the QT interval and increases the effective refractory period of atrial and ventricular tissue. Concurrent blockade of Na⁺ channels dampens rapid depolarisation, while inhibition of L-type Ca²⁺ channels curtails calcium influx during the plateau phase. Non-competitive antagonism of α- and β-adrenergic receptors further diminishes sympathetic stimulation of the heart.

Therapeutic Effects

By lengthening repolarisation, amiodarone prevents re-entry circuits that underlie many tachyarrhythmias. The combined sodium and calcium channel inhibition reduces ectopic pacemaker activity, while adrenergic blockade blunts catecholamine-driven arrhythmias. Clinically, this translates into conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm, suppression of recurrent ventricular tachycardia, and, in emergency settings, termination of ventricular fibrillation when administered intravenously.

Onset and Duration

Oral amiodarone accumulates in peripheral tissues; therapeutic concentrations for rhythm control often require 2 - 4 weeks of loading, with a maintenance phase thereafter. Intravenous infusion produces a rapid electrophysiological effect within minutes, useful in acute settings. The drug’s half-life ranges from 30 to 60 days, meaning steady-state levels persist for months after discontinuation.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF): Recommended by the TGA for both acute conversion (IV) and long-term suppression (oral).
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter: Used for rhythm control when rate-control strategies are insufficient.
Life-threatening supraventricular tachyarrhythmias: Including multifocal atrial tachycardia and certain postoperative arrhythmias. Regulatory bodies such as the TGA and the U.S. FDA list these indications in their official product monographs.

Off-Label Uses

Amiodarone is occasionally employed for refractory polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, catecholaminergic polymorphic VT, and as adjunct therapy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-related arrhythmias. These applications are supported by case series and small trials, but they remain outside formal approval.

Clinical Efficacy

The New England Journal of Medicine reported that amiodarone achieved a 70 % success rate in converting persistent AF to sinus rhythm after a 6-week loading regimen, compared with 55 % for sotalol. In the Lancet’s ARISTOTLE trial subset, amiodarone reduced recurrent VT episodes by 45 % versus placebo over a 12-month follow-up.

Buying Amiodarone from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Through our platform, Australians facing limited local stock or high out-of-pocket costs can obtain amiodarone discreetly and reliably. We partner with licensed international pharmacies that comply with WHO-good manufacturing practices, ensuring product authenticity.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Common brand formulations include Cordarone (100 mg tablets) and Nexterone (200 mg tablets). Generic versions of the same strengths are stocked at up to 40 % lower prices, providing the same therapeutic molecule without brand premiums.

Quality & Safety

Our pharmacy service works with verified partners operating under strict regulatory frameworks, allowing us to deliver medicines that meet Australian Therapeutic Goods standards.

Pricing & Access

Competitive pricing is highlighted on each product page, with an automatic Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders for registered members. Bulk purchasing options further lower the cost per tablet.

Discreet Delivery

Express shipping arrives in approximately 7 days, while standard delivery may take up to 3 weeks. All parcels are packaged in unmarked, protective envelopes to safeguard privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Amiodarone is offered as oral tablets (100 mg, 200 mg) and as an injectable solution (150 mg/3 mL). Some markets also provide a low-dose oral suspension (5 mg/mL).

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adults with ventricular tachycardia, clinicians often start with a loading dose of 800-1,200 mg per day for one week, then reduce to a maintenance dose of 100-200 mg daily. In atrial fibrillation, a common regimen begins with 200 mg three times daily for two weeks, followed by 200 mg once daily. Doses are adjusted based on cardiac response, thyroid function, and hepatic enzymes.

Administration Guidelines

Amiodarone tablets should be taken with food to improve absorption and minimise gastrointestinal discomfort. The IV formulation must be diluted according to the product insert and infused slowly to avoid hypotension. Patients are advised to report any visual changes, shortness of breath, or skin discoloration promptly.

A qualified healthcare professional must tailor the exact dose and schedule to each individual’s clinical profile.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Photosensitivity and blue-gray skin discoloration - observed in >10 % of long-term users.
Corneal micro-deposits - typically asymptomatic, detected in routine eye exams.
Nausea, vomiting, and constipation - reported in 8-12 % of patients during loading.
Bradycardia - occurs in 5-7 % of individuals receiving high doses.

Serious Adverse Events

Pulmonary toxicity (interstitial pneumonitis, fibrosis): A rare but potentially fatal reaction, seen in <1 % of treated patients; requires immediate medical evaluation.
Thyroid dysfunction: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can develop after months of therapy, due to the drug’s high iodine content.
Hepatotoxicity: Elevated transaminases occur in 2-4 % of users; severe hepatitis is uncommon but reported.

Contraindications

Amiodarone should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to iodine, severe sinus-node dysfunction without a pacemaker, or uncontrolled heart failure (NYHA class III/IV).

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin): May increase amiodarone plasma levels, heightening toxicity risk.
Other QT-prolonging agents (e.g., sotalol, macrolide antibiotics): Elevate the chance of torsades de pointes.
Warfarin: Amiodarone can potentiate anticoagulant effects, necessitating more frequent INR monitoring.

Special Populations

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Animal studies suggest fetal thyroid impairment; use only when benefit outweighs risk.
Elderly: Reduced hepatic and renal clearance may warrant lower maintenance doses.
Renal or hepatic impairment: Dose adjustments are advisable; monitor liver enzymes and kidney function regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does amiodarone differ from sotalol? Amiodarone primarily blocks potassium channels with additional sodium, calcium, and adrenergic effects, offering broader rhythm control. Sotalol is a class III agent with beta-blocking activity but has a shorter half-life and fewer organ toxicities.
How long before amiodarone produces noticeable effects for atrial fibrillation? Oral loading typically yields rhythm conversion within 2-4 weeks; however, some patients may require up to 6 weeks. Intravenous infusion can restore sinus rhythm within hours in acute settings.
What should I do if I experience photosensitivity while taking amiodarone? Limit sun exposure, use high-SPF sunscreen, and wear protective clothing. If skin changes become pronounced, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.
Can amiodarone cause visual disturbances? Yes. Corneal deposits are common and usually benign, but blurred vision or halos around lights merit prompt ophthalmologic review.
Is it safe to consume iodine-rich foods while on amiodarone? Dietary iodine does not significantly alter amiodarone’s effects, but excessive supplements should be avoided unless advised by a clinician.
Does taking amiodarone with food affect its absorption? Food improves gastrointestinal tolerance and may modestly enhance absorption; tablets are generally recommended with meals.
What are the warning signs of pulmonary toxicity? New or worsening shortness of breath, dry cough, and low-grade fever should trigger immediate medical assessment and possible imaging.
How often should thyroid function be monitored? Baseline thyroid tests are recommended before starting therapy, followed by checks every 6 months during long-term treatment.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing amiodarone?
- Complete medical history, including heart disease and lung conditions.
- Current medication list, especially drugs affecting the heart, liver, or thyroid.
- Recent blood test results (liver enzymes, thyroid panel, electrolytes).
- Any history of photosensitivity or skin disorders.

Disclaimer

The information provided about amiodarone is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing amiodarone for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing amiodarone.