Cordarone X (Amiodarone Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Cordarone X Used For?
Cordarone X contains amiodarone hydrochloride and is prescribed to help control heart rhythm problems.
Primary Uses
Cordarone X is used to control a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
How It Works
It works by lengthening the gap between one heart beat and the next, helping to bring the heart rate to a slower and more regular pace.
How to Take Cordarone X
Your doctor will determine the right dose for you. Always follow their instructions exactly.
Dosage Instructions
The usual starting dose is 200 mg three times a day for 1 week. This is then reduced to 200 mg two times a day for another week. The dose may then be reduced to 200 mg once per day. Swallow tablets whole with water or another liquid such as tea or milk. Injectable doses are only given in hospitals at 5 mg/kg given slowly over 20 minutes to 2 hours.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take your 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 at the regular time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
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 sleep disorders
- vivid dreams or nightmares
- skin rashes or hives
- small cloudy spots on eyeball
- metallic taste
- pins and needles sensation
- slow heartbeat
- thyroid problems (overactive or underactive)
- muscle weakness
- increased sun sensitivity
- bluish skin discoloration
- constipation
- loss of appetite
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- faintness or light-headedness
- allergic reactions (breathing difficulty, swelling)
- heart rhythm changes
- chest pain, cough or blood in sputum
- vision problems or light sensitivity
- severe blisters and bleeding
- yellowing of skin or eyes
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain with dark urine
- coordination problems affecting balance and movement
Important Warnings
Cordarone X has several important warnings and should not be used by certain people.
Who Should Not Take Cordarone X
Do not use if you are allergic to amiodarone hydrochloride, iodine, or any ingredients. Do not use if you have thyroid problems, heart problems that may cause fainting, low blood pressure (for injection), severe breathing problems (for injection), heart disease or failure (for injection), or shock (for injection). Not recommended for children or neonates under one month.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have other heart conditions, blood pressure problems, liver problems, or thyroid problems. Your doctor will need to monitor you carefully with regular blood tests, chest X-rays, ECGs, and eye tests.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Avoid for 3 months before pregnancy as it stays in the body for months after stopping. Do not use while breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk. Alternative feeding arrangements should be made if treatment is necessary.
Serious Organ Damage: Treatment with amiodarone may cause serious lung, liver and eye damage and may worsen heart problems.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interact with Cordarone X. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Grapefruit interaction: Avoid drinking large quantities of grapefruit juice as it may affect the absorption of Cordarone X.
- heart medicines
- blood pressure medicines
- immune system suppressants (ciclosporin, cortisone, tacrolimus)
- diuretics (water tablets)
- antibiotics (intravenous erythromycin, pentamidine)
- stimulant laxatives (bisacodyl, castor oil, senna)
- MAO inhibitors
- antipsychotics
- phenytoin
- warfarin and blood thinners
- statins (simvastatin)
- colchicine
- digoxin
- heart rhythm medicines (flecainide, sotalol)
- fentanyl
- sildenafil (Viagra)
- triazolam
- ergotamine
- general anaesthesia
- lidocaine
- amphotericin B
- antiviral medications (sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, simeprevir, ledipasvir)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities that require alertness until you know how Cordarone X affects you.
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 Cordarone X affects you. There is no evidence that amiodarone impairs driving ability, but caution is advised.
Temperature Regulation
Always use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Do not use sunlamps. Cordarone X may make your skin more sensitive to sun, ranging from increased tanning to severe redness and swelling.
Storage
Tablets: Keep in original blister pack in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Store away from bathrooms, sinks, cars, and windows. Injection: Store between 8-25°C if needed before hospital use. Do not refrigerate. Protect from light.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Cordarone X, seek immediate medical attention. Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication works by lengthening the gap between heartbeats to slow and regulate heart rate. Your doctor will monitor your progress with regular appointments to check how well it’s working for you.
Yes, you can swallow Cordarone X tablets with water or other liquids such as tea or milk. No specific food restrictions are mentioned.
There is no information in the prescribing information suggesting that Cordarone X is addictive or habit-forming.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without checking with your doctor. Cordarone X can stay in your body for several months even after stopping, so your doctor needs to manage any changes to your treatment.
The prescribing information does not specifically mention alcohol interactions, but you should discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor as it may affect your heart condition.
Weight gain can be a symptom of underactive thyroid, which is a possible side effect of Cordarone X. Your doctor will monitor your thyroid function with regular tests.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
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.