What is a amiodarone toxicity?

As a medical professional with expertise in pharmacology and toxicology, I can provide you with an accurate description of amiodarone toxicity. Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat various types of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). However, it is known for its potential to cause toxicity due to its long half-life and high tissue accumulation. Amiodarone toxicity can manifest in several ways, including: 1. Cardiac Effects: Ironically, while it's used to treat heart conditions, amiodarone can also cause or exacerbate arrhythmias. This can include bradycardia (slow heart rate), torsades de pointes (a specific type of ventricular tachycardia), and heart block. 2. Pulmonary Effects: It can lead to lung problems such as amiodarone-induced pneumonitis or fibrosis, which can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly. 3. Neurological Effects: Symptoms may include tremors, ataxia (loss of muscle control), and peripheral neuropathy. 4. Ocular Effects: Amiodarone can cause corneal microdeposits, which may affect vision, and can also lead to a blue-gray discoloration of the skin. 5. Hepatic Effects: Liver function abnormalities can occur, including elevated liver enzymes. 6. Thyroid Effects: Amiodarone contains iodine and can cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. 7. Gastrointestinal Effects: Nausea, vomiting, and constipation are common side effects. Diagnosis of amiodarone toxicity typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, patient history, and laboratory tests to evaluate organ function. Treatment may include dosage adjustment, temporary discontinuation of the drug, or the use of specific therapies to counteract the effects of the toxicity.

Amiodarone is an iodinated benzofuran derivative that is used to suppress ventricular and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. ... (See "Monitoring and management of amiodarone side effects".) INTERSTITIAL PNEUMONITIS. Interstitial pneumonitis is the most common presentation of amiodarone-induced pulmonary disease.