Does Intake Of Amiodarone Help In Treating Irregular Heart Beats?

Posted on Wed, 12 Oct 2016

Question: My doctor wants me to take amiridoral (misspelled). I have had irregular hb for many hears, but I remember a doctor telling me years ago that this is a life threatening drug. If this is not the same drug, could there be another similar drug? And should I I take it or not?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it should be considered when the benefits outweigh the risk..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, Welcome to HCM,
I've gone through your query and understand your concern,

I think you meant Amiodarone here, from your history it's quite apparent that your having irregular heart beat for quite a while now..

Since none of the other agents described by you, have proven beneficial, so it'll be worthwhile to give it a try..

Please note that all these anti-arrhythmic agents possess a long list of side effects including potential threat to life (including Digoxin which you've already taken previously)..that's why a strict follow-up with the treating cardiologist, routine drug monitoring, dose titration, and preventive check-ups should be done from time to time..

Same is applicable for Amiodarone also, i.e. when taken under strict medical supervision with proper follow-ups and routine/necessary lab investigations, the side effects are really negligible..

Please ensure to have a baseline 12 Lead EKG, LFT, Thyroid Function Test and KFT prior starting the Amiodarone..

Since you've not mentioned, let me also inform you that novel cardio-selective Beta-blockers like Metoprolol, Bisoprolol or Carvedilol are also there for further consideration (if not tried already)..

Please discuss with your doctor regarding all these and let me know if there's any further queries..

Take Care
Kind Regards

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee