Amiodarone

(a MEE oh da rone)

How does this drug come?

• This drug comes as a tablet.
• Some pharmacies may make a liquid.

Pharmacologic Category

• Antiarrhythmic Agent, Class III

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• This drug is used to treat unsafe fast heartbeats only. It may cause risky side effects. Amiodarone may cause lung, thyroid, or liver problems. Your child will be closely watched when starting this drug.
• Unsafe side effects may happen. This drug cannot be given while your child is taking some other drugs. Check all the drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor.
• Please read the medication guide.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to amiodarone, iodine, or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has a slow heartbeat without a working pacemaker.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat a fast heartbeat.

How does this drug work?

• Amiodarone lowers the effects of chemicals on the heart. It slows the heart down.

How is this drug given?

• Give as you have been told, even if your child is feeling better.
• Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• There is a liquid (suspension) if your child cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
• Children who have feeding tubes may also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after this drug is given.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, get an oral syringe, a dropper, a spoon, or a cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It may take a few weeks to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose or stop your child's drug. Talk with your child's doctor.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Do not run out of this drug.
• If your child has thyroid disease, talk with the doctor.
• Have your child's blood work checked often. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Avoid giving your child other drugs and natural products that slow actions.
• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other doctors that your child is using this drug.
• Avoid giving your child grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
• This drug may cause your child to be less alert. Have your child avoid tasks or actions that call for alertness. These include playing (for example, riding a bicycle, rollerblading, sports) or using items that call for your child to have focus or coordination (for example, scissors, lawnmower, electric scooters, or toy cars). Your child's actions will be closely watched until you see how this drug affects him/her. School work may be hard for your child to focus on and get done.
• Your child may get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and dress your child in clothing and eyewear that protects him/her from the sun.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred eyesight, or a change in thinking clearly. Have your child avoid tasks or actions that call for him/her to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug works.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Hard stools (constipation). Drinking more liquids, working out, or adding fiber to your diet may help. Talk with your doctor about a stool softener or laxative.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child shows signs of low mood (depression), thoughts of killing him/herself, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, thinking that is not normal, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
• If your child has trouble breathing.
• If your child has a cough that does not go away.
• If your child has very bad belly pain.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child has a change in thinking clearly and with logic.
• If your child is not able to handle heat or cold.
• If your child is shaking.
• If your child is restless.
• If your child has a big weight loss.
• If your child has a big weight gain.
• If your child has hair loss.
• If your child has neck swelling.
• If your child has numbness or tingling in his/her hands or feet.
• If your child is feeling very nervous and excitable.
• If your child is not able to eat.
• If your child has dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
• If your child is feeling very tired or weak.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Protect tablets from water. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• Store liquid (suspension) at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Throw away any part not used after 6 weeks if stored at room temperature or 3 months if stored in a refrigerator.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many drugs do not work with other drugs. Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.