Aratac (Amiodarone Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Aratac Used For?
Aratac contains amiodarone hydrochloride and is used to help control heart rhythm problems.
Primary Uses
Aratac is used to control a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
How It Works
It works by lengthening the gap between one heartbeat and the next, helping to bring the heart rate to a slower and more regular pace.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Aratac is addictive.
How to Take Aratac
Your doctor will tell you exactly how many Aratac tablets to take. Always follow their instructions carefully.
Dosage Instructions
The usual starting dose is 200 mg three times a day for 1 week. Therapy is then reduced to 200 mg two times a day for a further week. The dose may then be reduced to 200 mg once per day. The dose varies from person to person based on your condition, age, and response to treatment. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water. Tablets can be divided in half along the breakline if advised by your doctor or pharmacist.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Take your medicine regularly at the same time each day for best results.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- tremor, insomnia or other sleep disorders, vivid dreams or nightmares
- allergic conditions causing joint pain, skin rashes, fever and kidney problems
- rash or hives
- small cloudy spots forming on the eyeball (usually reversible)
- metallic taste
- pins and needles or numbness in hands, legs or feet
- slow heartbeat
- overactive thyroid symptoms (increased appetite, weight loss, restlessness, heat intolerance, sweating, tremors, neck swelling, rapid heart rate)
- underactive thyroid symptoms (tiredness, lethargy, muscle weakness, cramps, feeling cold, slow heart rate, dry skin, hair loss, deep voice, weight gain)
- muscle weakness, uncontrolled movements or poor coordination
- increased skin sensitivity to sunlight
- bluish skin discoloration
- constipation
- loss of appetite
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- faintness or light-headedness
- allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, rash, itching, hives)
- changes to heartbeat (pounding, very rapid or very slow heartbeat)
- chest pain, cough or spitting up blood
- blurring or deterioration of vision, eye sensitivity to light
- severe blisters and bleeding in lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
- yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, dark-colored urine
- clumsiness and lack of coordination affecting balance, walking, limb or eye movements, and speech
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Aratac should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Aratac
Do not take Aratac if you are allergic to amiodarone hydrochloride, iodine, or any ingredients; have or have had thyroid problems; have heart problems that may cause you to faint; have low blood pressure; have severe breathing problems or respiratory failure; have heart disease or failure; are in shock; are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have other heart conditions, blood pressure problems, liver problems, or thyroid problems. Also inform them if you are allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives, or take any medicines for other conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Aratac if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Aratac is best avoided in the 3 months before pregnancy and throughout pregnancy because it can stay in the body for several months even after stopping. Do not take Aratac if you are breastfeeding as it can be found in breast milk. Alternative feeding arrangements should be made if you must take this medicine.
Serious Organ Damage: Treatment with amiodarone may cause serious lung, liver and eye damage and may worsen heart problems.
Drug Interactions
Many medicines can interfere with Aratac and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Grapefruit interaction: Avoid drinking large quantities of grapefruit juice as it may affect the absorption of Aratac.
- medicines for your heart
- medicines for your blood pressure
- medicines which reduce immune system activity (ciclosporin, cortisone, tacrolimus)
- diuretics (water tablets)
- antibiotics (including intravenous erythromycin and pentamidine)
- stimulant laxatives (bisacodyl, castor oil, senna)
- MAO inhibitors (for depression)
- antipsychotics (for mental and emotional conditions)
- phenytoin (for epilepsy)
- warfarin and other blood thinners
- simvastatin and other statins (for cholesterol)
- colchicine (for gout)
- digoxin (for heart conditions)
- flecainide and sotalol (for irregular heartbeat)
- fentanyl (for pain)
- sildenafil
- triazolam (for insomnia)
- ergotamine (for migraine)
- general anaesthesia
- lidocaine (topical anaesthetic)
- amphotericin B (for fungal infections)
- antiviral medications (sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, simeprevir, ledipasvir)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness and take sun protection seriously while taking Aratac.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Aratac affects you. There is no evidence that amiodarone impairs the ability to drive a vehicle or operate machinery.
Sun Protection
Always use sunscreen and wear a hat and protective clothing when outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. Taking Aratac may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, ranging from increased tendency to tan to intense redness and swelling. If your skin appears to be burning, tell your doctor immediately.
Storage
Keep your tablets in the blister pack until it’s time to take them. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above the ground is ideal.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Aratac, urgent medical attention may be needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) for advice, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is no evidence that Aratac is addictive.
The medication should be swallowed with a glass of water. No specific food restrictions are mentioned, but avoid large quantities of grapefruit juice.
Do not stop taking Aratac suddenly without checking with your doctor. You must continue taking it as prescribed to properly control your condition.
Aratac works by lengthening the gap between heartbeats to bring your heart rate to a slower, more regular pace. Your doctor will monitor your progress with regular appointments.
Avoid drinking large quantities of grapefruit juice as it may affect the absorption of Aratac.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Never take a double dose.
Yes, your doctor will monitor you carefully with blood tests, chest X-rays, ECGs, and eye tests to check for side effects and ensure the medication is working properly.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.