What are the side effect of amiodarone?

As a healthcare professional with expertise in pharmacology, I can provide you with information on the potential side effects of amiodarone, an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat certain types of abnormal heartbeats. It's important to note that not all patients will experience these side effects, and some may experience none at all. However, awareness is key to safe medication use. **Side effects of amiodarone can be categorized as follows:** 1. Common Side Effects: - Fatigue - Dizziness - Nausea and vomiting - Constipation - Cough - Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain 2. Serious Side Effects: - Lung problems (Pulmonary toxicity) - Liver problems (Hepatotoxicity) - Eye problems (Optical changes, such as corneal deposits) - Thyroid problems (Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) - Skin changes (Photosensitivity, blue-gray skin discoloration) - Nervous system issues (Peripheral neuropathy) - Heart problems (Bradycardia, QT prolongation) 3. Other Less Common Side Effects: - Hair loss (Alopecia) - Rash - Weight gain Patients taking amiodarone should be closely monitored by their healthcare provider, especially during the initial stages of treatment and any time the dose is adjusted. Regular blood tests and check-ups are often required to monitor for any potential side effects or complications. **

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: faster/slower/more irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting. Amiodarone may rarely cause thyroid problems. Either low thyroid function or overactive thyroid function may occur.