Cordarone X

What is it?

A class III antiarrhythmic preparation produced in the form of tablets of 2 different strengths. White, scored tablets, marked with strength and action potential symbol contain 100mg or 200mg of amiodarone hydrochloride. Also, CORDARONE X I. V intravenous injection comprising 50mg of amiodarone per ml of solution in ampoules for injection. Used for. various heart rhythm disorders especially those which do not respond to other drugs. Tachycardia associated with Wolfe-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Dosage

Adults, 200mg 3 times each day for first week then 200mg twice each day for the following week. Maintenance dose is usually in the order of 200mg each day and the minimum necessary should be used. Children, manufacturer should be consulted. Cordarone I. V, by intravenous infusion according to manufacturers' instructions and as directed by specialist physician.

Special Care

Pregnancy, heart failure; liver, kidney and thyroid function should be tested throughout the course of treatment. Eyes should Also, be monitored and therapy started in hospital and under supervision of specialist physician.

Avoid Use

Breast-feeding, patients with heart block, shock, history of thyroid disease, serious bradycardia, sensitivity to iodine. Cordarone injection, serious respiratory failure, serious hypotension involving the arterial circulation, congestive heart failure, disease of heart muscle.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Pentamidine, other antiarrhythmic drugs, lithium, β-blockers, diuretics, digoxin, phenytoin, calcium antagonists, anticoagulants taken by mouth, erythromycin, drugs which extend QT interval, anaesthetics, co-trimoxazole. Also, anti- psychotics, anti-malarial drugs, TCADs, corticosteroids, cyclosporin, antihistamines, amphotericin, tetracosactrin.

Known Side Effects

Sensitivity to light, effects on eyes, heart, thyroid, liver and nervous system, pulmonary toxicity.

Manufacturer

Sanofi -Synthelabo.