Amiodarone: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Amiodarone is an anti-arrhythmic heart medicine. It is a prescription medicine used for serious irregular heart rhythms and atrial fibrillation. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 2 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Amiodarone works

Amiodarone slows the electrical signals that control the heartbeat and lengthens the time the heart muscle takes to recover between beats. This helps restore and keep a steadier rhythm. It stays in the body for a very long time, so effects build up slowly and last for months after stopping.

What is Amiodarone used for?

• Serious irregular heart rhythms and atrial fibrillation

Amiodarone is used to control serious or persistent heart rhythm problems, including atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, and dangerous fast rhythms starting in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricular arrhythmias). Because of its potential side effects, it is usually started by a specialist when other treatments are unsuitable or have not worked.

Side effects of Amiodarone

Amiodarone can cause a range of side effects, so you will be monitored regularly. The more common ones include:

• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Tremor or sleep problems
• Metallic taste
• Blue-grey skin discolouration with long-term use

Seek medical help promptly if you develop new breathlessness or cough, blurred or reduced vision, yellow skin or eyes, a very slow heartbeat or fainting, or signs of thyroid problems such as weight change, restlessness or extreme tiredness.

Precautions and warnings

• You will need regular blood tests for thyroid and liver function and checks on your lungs and eyes.
• It interacts with many medicines, including warfarin, digoxin, some statins and some hepatitis C treatments, so tell every doctor and pharmacist that you take it.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
• Protect your skin from the sun with clothing and high-factor sunscreen, even after stopping.
• It is not usually used in pregnancy or breastfeeding; discuss this with your specialist.

Frequently asked questions about Amiodarone

What is the price of Amiodarone in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Amiodarone products currently in stock range from Rs 2 to Rs 1,279 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Miodarone 200mg Tablet at Rs 2. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Amiodarone are available in Pakistan?

Amiodarone is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Cordarone (Sanofi Aventis Pakistan Limited) and Miodarone (Unimark).

Do I need a prescription for Amiodarone?

Yes. Amiodarone is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Amiodarone be used during pregnancy?

It is not usually used in pregnancy or breastfeeding; discuss this with your specialist.

Are all Amiodarone brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Amiodarone in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Amiodarone brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 4 products containing Amiodarone from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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