What Are The Side Effects Of Amiodarone?
Question: What other heart medicines are available for an antiarrythmic problem that my Mom has (A fib)?
She is currently on Metoprolol, aspirin, and Lantus for diabetes but was prescribed Amiodarone for her heart but after seeing the side effects (pulmonary) we are re considering it. She was on Metoprolol, Coumadin, Lantus, Allopurinol, Isosorbide previously but her meds were adjusted after her discharge from the hospital. No other meds were tried before this Amiodarone and I'd like to do that and not have her take this. Please advise.
Thank you
She is currently on Metoprolol, aspirin, and Lantus for diabetes but was prescribed Amiodarone for her heart but after seeing the side effects (pulmonary) we are re considering it. She was on Metoprolol, Coumadin, Lantus, Allopurinol, Isosorbide previously but her meds were adjusted after her discharge from the hospital. No other meds were tried before this Amiodarone and I'd like to do that and not have her take this. Please advise.
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Anti antiarrhythmic agents
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query
If Amiodarone is out of question then given I choice I would substitute it with Diltiazem or Verapamil.
I used to use a lot of Digoxin with very good results however some studies have shown increased mortality with it so I have stopped and I have kept it reserve for only patients with refractory heart failure.
I hope I was of help, please get back to me if you have any further queries. Its a busy day today with lots of appointment so I might take about 8 hours to get back
Regards
Anti antiarrhythmic agents
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query
If Amiodarone is out of question then given I choice I would substitute it with Diltiazem or Verapamil.
I used to use a lot of Digoxin with very good results however some studies have shown increased mortality with it so I have stopped and I have kept it reserve for only patients with refractory heart failure.
I hope I was of help, please get back to me if you have any further queries. Its a busy day today with lots of appointment so I might take about 8 hours to get back
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your response so quickly. My only concern is the safety factor of these medicines, as I researched Amiodarone and found its mortality rate absurdly high. Are these medicines which you suggest ( Diltiazem or Verapamil ) safe and researched to be effective?
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for getting back
Mortality of patients with A fib itself is high and these medications help in rate and rhythm control.
Diltiazem and Verapamil are effective medications. It is researched to be effective. When it comes to safety it really depends on person to person and the medications have to be individualized. It is best left to your cardiologist to decide on the medication.
Regards
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for getting back
Mortality of patients with A fib itself is high and these medications help in rate and rhythm control.
Diltiazem and Verapamil are effective medications. It is researched to be effective. When it comes to safety it really depends on person to person and the medications have to be individualized. It is best left to your cardiologist to decide on the medication.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar