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CHEMICAL NAME
AMIODARONE.
INDICATIONS
Pacerone(Amiodarone) is an antiarrhythmic used to treat an irregular heartbeat and to maintain a normal heart rate. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
DIRECTIONS
Follow the directions for using Pacerone(Amiodarone) provided by your doctor. Pacerone(Amiodarone) comes with a medication guide. Read it carefully each time you refill this medicine. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Discuss with your doctor whether to take your dose with or without food. It is very important to take Pacerone(Amiodarone) Tablets consistently with regard to food. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine. Store this medicine at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
SIDE EFFECTS
That may occur while taking this medicine include tiredness, constipation, loss of appetite, taste or smell changes, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, headache, flushing, stomach pain, decreased sexual interest, or changes in the amount of saliva you produce. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience tremor or uncontrolled muscle movements; loss of coordination; tingling or numbness of hands, legs, or feet; muscle weakness; burning or tingling of the skin; unusually dry eyes; swollen neck; unusual sweating; restlessness, nervousness, or anxiety; intolerance to heat or cold; unexplained weight change; hair loss; or menstrual changes. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fever; wheezing; unexplained cough; coughing up blood; difficult or painful breathing; chest pain; severe nausea or vomiting; severe stomach pain; yellowing of the eyes or skin; dark urine; severe or persistent tiredness; swelling of the hands or feet; slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat; severe dizziness or lightheadedness; fainting; vision changes (such as seeing halos, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or loss of vision); unusual bruising or bleeding; persistent sore throat; or reddened, swollen, or blistered skin. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely but seeks immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking amiodarone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain types of irregular heartbeats or heart rhythms (e.g., severe sinus node dysfunction resulting in marked sinus bradycardia, second or third degree atrioventricular block, bradycardia with associated syncope except when a pacemaker is used). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure, low blood pressure), lung diseases, thyroid problems, upcoming major surgery, electrolyte problems such as low potassium or low magnesium. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the potential for fetal harm. Consult your doctor for more details. Amiodarone passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, unusually slow pulse, or fainting.
INFORMATION
Your doctor may want you to check your pulse rate every day while you take this medicine. Learn how to monitor your pulse. Carry an identification card at all times that says you are taking this medicine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Amiodarone should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: agalsidase beta, dofetilide, certain HIV protease inhibitors (nelfinavir, ritonavir), quinupristin/dalfopristin. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting amiodarone. Other drugs besides amiodarone which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include antiarrhythmics (e.g., flecainide, disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), pimozide, quinolone antibiotics (e.g., levofloxacin, sparfloxacin), and azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole) among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: local and general anesthesia, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), cimetidine, cyclosporine, digoxin, fentanyl, heart medications (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil, beta-blockers such as propranolol), other HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., amprenavir, indinavir), methotrexate, phenytoin, rifampin, "statins" (e.g., lovastatin, simvastatin), St. John's wort. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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