Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) is an effective and commonly prescribedantiarrhythmicdrug.
It differs from many other drugs because it is stored in the bodys tissues.
Due to this, amiodarone can cause distinctive side effects that are important to be aware of.
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Amiodarone has several characteristics that make it unique among theantiarrhythmic drugs, and even among drugs in general.
The full antiarrhythmic effects of the drug are not achieved until the tissues are sufficiently saturated with amiodarone.
So, the drug has to be loaded before it becomes optimally effective.
Amiodarone also can be administered intravenously (with much more rapid effect) when treating arrhythmia is urgent.
Long Half-Life
Amiodarone leaves the body very, very slowly.
It is not excreted to an appreciable extent by the liver or the kidneys.
For the most part, amiodarone and its metabolites are removed from the body when amiodarone-containing cells are lost.
This is a long, slow process.
What Is the Half-Life of Amiodarone?
The half-life of amiodarone, in contrast to most other drugs, is measured in weeks instead of hours.
How Amiodarone Works
Amiodarone works through many different mechanisms, unlike most drugs.
It dilates blood vessels and often acts to modify the effect of thyroid hormone.
All of these effects contribute to its ability to treat arrhythmias and probably account for amiodarones unique effectiveness.
Summary
When used appropriately, amiodarone can be of major benefit to people with severe cardiac arrhythmias.
However, because of amiodarone’s potential toxicity, its use should be limited.
Long-term careful monitoring will be necessary for as long as this unique drug is being used.
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