DRONEDARONE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Multaq

GENERIC NAME(S): DRONEDARONE HCL

Description: Dronedarone is an antiarrhythmic agent that exhibits all the properties of the 4 antiarrhythmic classes. It prolongs cardiac action potential duration and refractory periods by inhibiting K channels, inhibits Na and Ca channels, and has noncompetitive antiadrenergic activity.

Uses

This medication is used to treat irregular heartbeat such as paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation in the past but now have a normal heart rhythm. It helps you keep a normal heart rhythm and lowers your chance of having to go to the hospital for atrial fibrillation. But this should not be used if you have permanent atrial fibrillation because of the increased risk of very serious side effects.

How to use dronedarone

Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (once with your morning meal and once with your evening meal). Avoid grapefruit as it may increase the side effects.

Warnings

Do not take this medication:

if you have severe heart failure that makes you short of breath during light activity or even while resting, or if you recently had to stay in a hospital because your heart failure got worse
irregular heartbeat (permanent atrial fibrillation) that will not or cannot be changed back to a normal heart rhythm.

Dronedarone may increase your risk of death, stroke, or the need to be treated in the hospital for heart failure if you have any of these conditions. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the risks and benefits of dronedarone.

Side Effects

Side effects may range from mild to serious complications. Consult your doctor immediately when you feel the following symptoms: Nausea or diarrhea may occur, symptoms of liver disease (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), symptoms of lung problems (such as persistent dry cough, shortness of breath), change in the amount of urine, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.

Seek emergency medical help if you expereince allergies (rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing) or the symptoms mentioned above while taking this drug.

Precautions

Precautions

Inform your doctor of your allergies (food or drugs), medical conditions and medical history before taking this drug, especially of: liver disease, certain types of irregular heartbeat (second- or third-degree atrioventricular block or sick sinus syndrome, unless you have a heart pacemaker), certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Other conditions that increase the risk of QT prolongation: Low levels of potassium or magnesium, diuretics, severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using dronedarone safely.

Consult your doctor before having surgery or dental procedures.

For pregnant and nursing (breastfeeding) women, consult your doctor before using this medication.

Interactions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor of the current medications, products (herbal/nonprescription) that you are taking especially of: fingolimod, amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, pimozide, procainamide, propafenone, quinidine, sotalol, azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole), cyclosporine, macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin), nefazodone, HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir, ritonavir), rifampin, St. John’s wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), telithromycin, dabigatran, among others.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

Get medical emergency help immediately when you experience symptoms of overdose.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regular scheduled time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Discard the drug properly- do not throw in toilet or sink.

Brands

Available Brands:

Multaq [ sanofi-aventis ]