Cordarone belongs to the family of drugs called antiarrhythmic that is used to treat a certain disorders of the heart. Cordarone is generally prescribed to treat arrhythmia or irregular heartbeats. It may also be prescribed for other reasons.
Composition and Nature of Cordarone:
The active ingredient in the tablet is Amiodarone hydrochloride. The other inactive non-medical ingredients of the tablet include silicon dioxide in colloidal form, cornstarch, Magnesium stearate, povidone, lactose, and FD&C Red No.40.
Uses and Benefits of Cordarone:
Cordarone is used to treat only Arrhythmias, which is a heart disorder in which irregular heartbeats are experienced. The tablet can restore the rhythm of the heart and maintain a normal, regular and steady pace of heartbeats.
Cordarone is also used to treat the types of arrhythmia that are considered fatal like persistent ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia.
Side Effects of Cordarone:
Most of the below-mentioned side-effects are common but they do not always occur. Some of them are rare but can be serious.
The most common side-effects of Cordarone tablet include:
- Nausea
- Increase in the synthesis of liver enzymes
- Altered taste
- Constipation
- Increase in the synthesis of thyroid hormones
- Photosensitivity
- Eczema
- Sleep disorders
- Tremor
- A decrease in TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
- Corneal micro deposits
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting
- Irregularity in sleep patterns
- Yellow color in eyes or skin or both
- Headache
- Skin Rashes
- Loss of appetite
On observing any of the above-mentioned reactions, a doctor should be contacted immediately.
Cordarone Dosage:
The dosage and duration prescribed by the doctor must be followed. This tablet should be taken orally and must be swallowed as a whole. You should not chew, crush or break the tablet. It can be taken along with or without food but the time of consumption should be maintained throughout the course of the tablet.
The dosage may vary according to various factors such as age, body weight etc., but in most cases, the following dosage is prescribed:
- 800mg to 1600 mg daily in divided doses for the first one to three weeks
- 200mg to 400mg (maintenance dosage) once daily for the duration prescribed
In case you miss a dose, skip it entirely and continue with the regular schedule. Never double your dosage to make up for the skipped dosage.
How Cordarone Works?
Amiodarone changes the mode in which the electrical impulses affect the heart muscles and makes the heart beat more regular. This action is done by blocking the abnormal electric signal in the heart. By doing so, the heart corrects the irregular heartbeat to a regular rhythm.
Precautions and Warnings Related To Cordarone:
The following are the precautions that have to be followed for the duration of consumption of Cordarone:
- Cordarone may be unsafe to consume during pregnancy. There is an evidence of the risks the tablet causes to the fetus.
- Cordarone is not safe to consume during lactation. The drug may pass through the breast milk and cause harm to the baby.
- The tablet may cause blurred vision and hence driving a vehicle and operating heavy machinery is not advised after consuming the medication.
- For the duration of course of the medicine, long exposure to sunlight must be avoided as there is an associated risk of photosensitivity while consuming Cordarone.
- Cordarone should be avoided by people with underlying renal ailments and disorders. Dose adjustment of the medicine is also not recommended.
- Cordarone should be avoided by people with underlying breathing problems as there is a risk of breathlessness.
- People allergic to iodine or amiodarone should avoid this medicine.
- Cordarone should be avoided by people who have lung problems or underlying lung diseases.
- Caution should be exercised by those who have problems with thyroid synthesis. This includes hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease etc.
- People with hepatitis or a history of hepatitis should avoid Cordarone.
- Cordarone should never be taken by people with cardiogenic shock.
- People with a second or third degree AV block should avoid Cordarone.
- Consuming grapefruit or any fruit juice during the course of this medication may increase the blood levels of Amiodarone.
- Consumption of alcohol along with Cordarone is not safe as it may increase your risk of dizziness.
Substitutes of Cordarone:
The following medications have the same composition and functions of Cordarone and hence can be used as substitutes:
- Amipace tablet by Lupin Ltd
- Tachyra tablet by Cipla Limited
- Amiodar tablet by Micro Labs Limited
- Ritebeat tablet by Torrent Pharmaceuticals
- Duron Tablets by Samrath Life Sciences Private Limited
Cordarone Interactions:
Amiodarone interacts with certain other drugs. While some interactions may lead to the increased risk of side-effects, some may weaken the strength of Amiodarone.
Cordarone may interact with the following drugs:
- Budesonide
- Azole antifungal agents
- Azithromycin
- Theophylline
- Fingolimod
- Sofosbuvir and other drugs that are used to treat Hepatitis C
- Cimetidine
- Indinavir and other protease inhibitors
- Rifampin and other Rifamycins
- Quinidine
- Sotalol
- Pimozide
All the drugs consumed regularly or otherwise should be discussed with your doctor. This will help the doctor make an informed choice before prescribing the medicine. This includes supplements and herbal medicines.
FAQs:
1) Does Cordarone contain iodine?
Ans: Yes. Amiodarone, the main ingredient of Cordarone is rich in Iodine.
2) Can Cordarone cause lethal reactions?
Ans: Yes. Cordarone can lead to lethal or drastic effects when an inappropriate dosage is taken.
3) Is Cordarone dialyzed?
Ans: Yes. Cordarone is dialyzed.
4) Is Cordarone a steroid?
Ans: No. Cordarone is not a steroid. It belongs to the class of anti-arrhythmic drugs.
5) Can Cordarone stimulate the T4 receptors?
Ans: No. Cordarone does not stimulate the T4 receptors directly. Based on how your body responds, certain reactions can stimulate T4 receptors indirectly.
6) Can Cordarone lead to chronic fatigue?
Ans: Fatigue is a common side-effect of Cordarone. It may occur in some people while it may not in some. If chronic fatigue persists for longer period, contact your doctor.
7) Will I have trouble balancing when I consume Cordarone?
Ans: Balancing trouble is a less-reported side-effect of Cordarone. Contact your doctor for further clarity if you suffer from balancing troubles.
