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Optimal Management of Amiodarone Therapy: Efficacy and Side Effects
Author(s) -
Hilleman Daniel,
Miller Mary Ann,
Parker Robert,
Doering Paul,
Pieper John A.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1002/j.1875-9114.1998.tb03950.x
Subject(s) - medicine , amiodarone , adverse effect , rash , peripheral neuropathy , blurred vision , liver function , optic neuropathy , thyroid function , side effect (computer science) , ataxia , anesthesia , surgery , atrial fibrillation , thyroid , diabetes mellitus , optic nerve , computer science , programming language , ophthalmology , endocrinology , psychiatry
Objectives . To review management and dosing guidelines for amiodarone therapy, and discuss the drug's adverse event profile. Methods . Review of relevant studies and reports. Results . Amiodarone is a highly effective antiarrhythmic drug, but is associated with adverse effects involving several organs. Amiodarone‐induced arrhythmia is rare, with frequency of 0.3% in one study. Pulmonary toxicity is the most serious noncardiac side effect (2–17% of patients). Hypersensitivity pneumonitis can appear early in the course of therapy. Interstitial pneumonitis is a more common but insidious pulmonary reaction characterized by cough, low‐grade fever, and dyspnea that occurs after months or years of therapy. Clinically important hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism occur in 2–10% of patients. Optic neuritis or neuropathy in which patients experience decreased or blurred vision may progress to permanent blindness. Abnormalities in liver function tests, especially elevated aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels, are seen in 4–25% of patients. Neurologic side effects were reported in 20–40% of patients, at times associated with tremor, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, malaise or fatigue, sleep disturbances, dizziness, and headaches. Several types of dermatologic reactions have been reported, including allergic rash, photosensitivity, and blue‐gray skin discoloration. The best strategy for early detection of pulmonary toxicity is vigilant clinical follow‐up with monitoring of cardiac status and liver and thyroid function, and prescription of the lowest effective dosage. After an initial loading dose, 200 mg/day in many patients maintains arrhythmia control and minimizes the frequency of side effects. Conclusion . Amiodarone is a safe and efficacious antiarrhythmic agent when lower dosages are given to patients who are closely monitored and subject to careful follow‐up.