Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Amiodarone. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Amiodarone with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Amiodarone. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• abdominal pain
• bad taste
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• nausea
• sensitivity of skin to sunlight
• tremor
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blue-grey colouring of skin on face, neck, and arms
• blurred vision or blue-green halos seen around objects
• confusion
• dizziness or fainting
• goiter (lump on neck)
• hair loss
• inability to concentrate
• Low Blood Pressure
• numbness or tingling in fingers or toes
• sensitivity of eyes to light
• signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
• signs of liver problems, e.g.:
• abdominal pain or swelling
• dark urine
• Fever
• itchy skin
• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• pale or clay-coloured stools
• yellowing of skin or whites of eyes
• skin rash
• slow heartbeat
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• symptoms of overactive thyroid gland (e.g., nervousness, rapid heartbeat, hand tremor, weight loss, and problems sleeping)
• symptoms of underactive thyroid gland (e.g., dry skin, constipation, weight gain, fatigue, aches, pains and stiffness, intolerance to cold, Depression, memory problems)
• trembling or shaking hands
• trouble walking
• unusual and uncontrolled body movements
• vision loss
• weight loss

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of an irregular heartbeat (e.g., fainting, dizziness, light-headedness, weakness or chest pain)
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort
• signs of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), e.g.:
• Hives
• shortness of breath
• swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• signs of lung problems, e.g.:
• cough
• coughing-up of blood
• difficulty breathing
• fever
• shortness of breath
• wheezing

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Amiodarone.

Each pink, round, flat-faced, compressed tablet, engraved with "N" vertical scoreline "N" on one side and 200 on the reverse, contains Amiodarone HCl 200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicone dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake (contains aluminum hydroxide and Red 40 dye), lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, polysorbate 80, povidone, pregelatinized starch, and talc.

Do not use Amiodarone if you:

• are allergic to amiodarone, iodine, or any ingredients of Amiodarone
• are in cardiogenic shock
• have a very low heart rate
• have certain lung problems
• have hepatitis
• have second or third degree AV block (except when used with a pacemaker)
• have Thyroid disease

Do not give Amiodarone to people in cardiogenic shock.

There may be an interaction between amiodarone and any of the following:

• agalsidase
• alpha agonists (e.g., Clonidine, methyldopa)
• alpha blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Silodosin, Tamsulosin)
• Aliskiren
• Anagrelide
• angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; Captopril, Quinapril, Ramipril)
• angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs; e.g., Candesartan, Irbesartan, Losartan)
• antiarrhythmics (e.g., Disopyramide, Dronedarone, Flecainide, procainamide, quinidine)
• anticancer medications (e.g., brentuximab, Cabazitaxel, Docetaxel, Doxorubicin, Etoposide, Ifosfamide, Irinotecan, Vincristine)
• antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine, Loratadine)
• antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• Apalutamide
• Apomorphine
• Aprepitant
• Atomoxetine
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, Voriconazole)
• beta2-agonists (e.g., formoterol, Indacaterol, salbutamol, salmeterol, vilanterol)
• beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol, Metoprolol)
• Bosentan
• brimonidine
• Bromocriptine
• Buprenorphine
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Felodipine, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
• Carbamazepine
• certain anesthetics
• chloroquine
• Cholestyramine
• Clopidogrel
• Cobicistat
• Colchicine
• Colesevelam
• Colestipol
• conivaptan
• Cyclosporine
• dabigatran
• Deferasirox
• Degarelix
• Dexamethasone
• Digoxin
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene)
• Domperidone
• Donepezil
• Doxepin
• Edoxaban
• Eliglustat
• Eltrombopag
• Enzalutamide
• estrogens (e.g., conjugated estrogen, Estradiol, ethinyl estradiol)
• Everolimus
• Fingolimod
• Flibanserin
• fosphenytoin
• Galantamine
• Gemfibrozil
• "gliptin" diabetes medications (e.g., Linagliptin, Saxagliptin, Sitagliptin)
• Goserelin
• grapefruit juice
• Guanfacine
• Hepatitis C antivirals (e.g., daclatasvir, glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, ledipasvir, sofosbuvir, velpatasvir)
• HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs; e.g., efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine)
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, darunavir, lopinavir, ritonavir)
• hydroxychloroquine
• Ivabradine
• ivermectin
• Lacosamide
• Lanreotide
• levodopa
• Leuprolide
• lidocaine
• lithium
• Lomitapide
• Loperamide
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• mefloquine
• Mirtazapine
• mifepristone
• Modafinil
• Obinutuzumab
• Octreotide
• Nabilone
• Naloxegol
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Hydrocodone, Methadone, Morphine)
• nitrates (e.g., Nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate)
• Orlistat
• Pasireotide
• pentamidine
• Pentoxifylline
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil)
• Pramipexole
• Primaquine
• primidone
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin)
• Ranitidine
• Rasagiline
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• rilpivirine
• Riociguat
• Romidepsin
• Ropinirole
• Rotigotine
• sacubitril
• St. John's wort
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• serotonin antagonists (anti-emetic medications; e.g., Granisetron, Ondansetron)
• serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• siltuximab
• siponimod
• Sirolimus
• "statin" medications (e.g., Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, Simvastatin)
• Stiripentol
• tacrolimus
• Tamoxifen
• Tetrabenazine
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• thyroid replacements (e.g., desiccated thyroid, Levothyroxine)
• Tizanidine
• Tocilizumab
• tolcapone
• Tolterodine
• Tolvaptan
• Trazodone
• Triazolam
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Trimipramine)
• tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., Ceritinib, Dabrafenib, imatinib, Nilotinib, Ribociclib)
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Amiodarone. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Amiodarone.

Abnormal heart rhythm: Amiodarone may cause a heart rhythm disturbance called QT prolongation. It can also worsen or trigger an irregular heart beat (arrhythmia). Your doctor will monitor your heart rhythm regularly while you are taking Amiodarone with a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Certain medications (e.g., Sotalol, quinidine, thioridazine, Chlorpromazine, Pimozide, moxifloxacin, Mefloquine, pentamidine, arsenic trioxide, Dolasetron mesylate, Tacrolimus) can increase the risk of a type of abnormal heart rhythm called QT prolongation, and should only be used in combination with amiodarone if the benefit of receiving both medications outweighs the risk of side effects. You are more at risk for this type of abnormal heart rhythm and its complications if you:

• are female
• are older than 65 years of age
• have a family history of sudden cardiac death
• have a history of heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms
• have a slow heart rate
• have congenital prolongation of the QT interval
• have Diabetes
• have had a Stroke
• have low potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels
• have nutritional deficiencies

Blood potassium and magnesium levels: People with low levels of potassium or magnesium should have these conditions corrected before starting amiodarone, as the risk of worsening abnormal heart rhythms may be increased.

Congestive Heart Failure: Amiodarone may cause congestive heart failure to worsen. If you have congestive heart failure, discuss with your doctor how Amiodarone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Amiodarone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

General: Due to the potential for serious side effects, amiodarone should only be given by physicians who are experienced in the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms.

Liver disease: Amiodarone may cause liver problems, so your doctor should monitor your liver function regularly. If you have liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Amiodarone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Amiodarone, and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with hepatitis should not take amiodarone.

Lung problems: Amiodarone can cause lung problems (Pulmonary Fibrosis, permanent scarring of the lungs) that, in some cases, can be fatal. If you experience any difficulty breathing, wheezing, fever, shortness of breath, cough, or coughing up of blood, accompanied by weakness and weight loss while taking amiodarone, tell your doctor immediately.

Skin: Amiodarone may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen with minimum SPF15 and protective clothing while taking amiodarone. Some people using amiodarone for long-term treatment may develop a blue-grey discoloration of exposed skin. Report any changes in skin colour to your doctor.

Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform all doctors involved in your care that you are taking amiodarone.

Thyroid disease: Amiodarone can cause thyroid problems (both overactive and underactive). Your doctor will perform tests regularly to monitor your thyroid function prior to and during amiodarone treatment, especially if you are a senior or if you have a history of thyroid problems.

Vision problems: Amiodarone may cause vision problems that may be severe or permanent. Regular eye exams are recommended during amiodarone treatment. If you notice any vision changes or problems, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Pregnancy: Amiodarone may harm a developing baby if it is taken by the mother during pregnancy. In particular, it has been noted to cause thyroid problems for the baby. Amiodarone should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Amiodarone, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Amiodarone passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking amiodarone, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of amiodarone for use by children have not been established.

Seniors:  People over the age of 65 may require lower doses of amiodarone.

Amiodarone belongs to the family of medications known as antiarrhythmics. It is used to treat certain types of abnormal heart rhythms (Arrhythmias). It works by changing how electrical impulses affect the heart muscle and by making the heart beat more regularly. The effects of Amiodarone may be noted as early as 3 days after starting treatment, but it is usually 1 to 3 weeks before beneficial effects are seen.

Amiodarone may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Amiodarone may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Amiodarone may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Amiodarone for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Amiodarone, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Amiodarone without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Amiodarone to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Amiodarone if their doctor has not prescribed it.