Fatal Lung Toxic Effects Related to Dronedarone Use

Research lettersDronedarone is a derivative of amiodarone that aimed to reduce the extracardiac adverse effects while preserving its antiarrhythmic effects for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF).1 In the ATHENA trial (A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Parallel Arm Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Dronedarone 400 mg bid for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Hospitalization or Death from Any Cause in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial Flutter),2 dronedarone reduced cardiovascular hospitalization and death in patients with nonpermanent atrial fibrillation (AF) with other cardiovascular risk factors. However, an experimental study3 suggested that dronedarone might have toxic effects on the lung greater than or equal to amiodarone. We describe 2 cases of fatal and near-fatal lung toxic effects associated with dronedarone use. Abstract by, American Medical Association.link_to_subscribed_fulltex