Amiodarone
(ay-mee-OH-da-rone)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs | Additional information | Contact us
What is amiodarone?
Amiodarone (Cordarone®, Pacerone®) is an anti-arrhythmic medication used to treat certain heart conditions. It is used to treat and / or prevent abnormal rhythms or "beats" of the heart. It may be taken in tablet or liquid form.
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Special instructions
- Do not discontinue this medication without talking to your child's doctor.
- Because this may interact with other medications, tell the doctor or pharmacist all other medications your child is taking, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC).
- This medication should be taken with food. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
- Your child should wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn when outdoors because of increased sensitivity to sun which may occur while your child is on this medication.
- Check with your doctor before taking amiodarone if your child has lung, liver or thyroid disease.
- Tell your child's doctor or dentist that he / she is taking amiodarone before he / she has any kind of surgery.
- Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle / package.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
- If too much medication is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
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If a dose is missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and / or missed doses, contact the health care provider who prescribed the medication.
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Side effects
Call your child's doctor if the following effects continue or are bothersome:
- Cough
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Nightmares
- Behavior changes
- Tremors or abnormal movements of the body
- Increased sensitivity to the sun causing your child to burn more easily
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Warning signs
Call your child's doctor if your child develops:
- Breathing problems
- Unexplained fever
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations or fast heart rate
- Severe nausea / vomiting
- Rash
- Numbness
- Dizziness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
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Additional information
The liquid form of amiodarone is only stable for 7 days (1 week). The liquid form will have to be refilled every 7 days.
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Patient Education Program V 5142 1/00
Revised 9/05, 8/07
