They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take amiodarone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Amiodarone may be taken with or without food, but you should take it the same way each time. Do not take amiodarone with grapefruit juice, as this affects how amiodarone is absorbed and may increase the risk of side effects. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Keep taking your medicine even if you feel better; do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
.For all uses of this medicine:
Before starting this medication, read the paper (MedGuide) on your prescription provided by your pharmacist or health care professional. This paper will tell you about the specific product you are taking. Make certain you understand the instructions. Ask your pharmacist or health care provider if you have questions.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the next scheduled dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Your condition will be monitored closely when you first begin amiodarone therapy. Often, this drug is first started in a hospital or other monitored health care setting.
Amiodarone can cause serious side effects including significant lung damage, liver damage, vision changes, thyroid dysfunction, skin problems, and potentially heartbeat problems. It is very important to have regular checks with your health care professional. Notify your prescriber immediately if you notice symptoms that are listed in the side effects section, or any other persistent problems or unusual reactions. Amiodarone can be present in the body for a long time (months); some side effects may persist for a time after treatment is stopped.
Once you are on maintenance therapy, visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you develop a cough or have any difficulty breathing. Because your condition and use of this medicine carry some risk, it is a good idea to carry an identification card, necklace or bracelet with details of your condition, medications, and prescriber or health care professional.
You may get dizzy; to avoid a sudden drop in blood pressure and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person, until you know how amiodarone affects you.
Amiodarone can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
You should have regular eye exams before and during treatment with amiodarone. Call your doctor if you have blurred vision, see halos, or your eyes become sensitive to light, or experience other changes in vision. Your eyes may get dry while you are using amiodarone. It may be helpful to use a lubricating eye solution or artificial tears solution.
If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking amiodarone.
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature, approximately 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.