Cordarone X (Amiodarone Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick 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.
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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 200mg three times a day for 1 week. This is then reduced to 200mg two times a day for another week. The dose may then be reduced to 200mg once per day. Swallow tablets whole with water or another liquid such as tea or milk. Injectable doses are only given in hospitals at 5mg/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. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Never 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, sleep disorders, vivid dreams or nightmares
- Joint pain, skin rashes, fever
- Small cloudy spots on eyeball (usually reversible)
- Metallic taste
- Pins and needles or numbness in hands, legs or feet
- Slow heartbeat
- Thyroid problems (overactive or underactive)
- Muscle weakness, uncontrolled movements, poor coordination
- Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight
- Bluish skin discoloration
- Pain or swelling at injection site
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Faintness or light-headedness
- Allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/mouth/tongue/throat, rash, itching, hives)
- Heart rhythm changes (pounding, very rapid or very slow heartbeat)
- Chest pain, cough or spitting up blood
- Blurred or deteriorating 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, speech
Important Warnings
Cordarone X has several important warnings and contraindications you need to know about.
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, severe breathing problems, heart disease or failure, or shock. 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.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Cordarone X should be avoided 3 months before pregnancy and throughout pregnancy as it can stay in the body for several months. It passes into breast milk, so 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 (epilepsy medicine)
- Warfarin and blood thinners
- Statins (simvastatin, cholesterol medicines)
- Colchicine (gout medicine)
- Digoxin
- Heart rhythm medicines (flecainide, sotalol)
- Fentanyl (pain medicine)
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Triazolam (sleep medicine)
- Ergotamine (migraine medicine)
- General anaesthesia
- Lidocaine
- Amphotericin B (antifungal)
- Antiviral medications (sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, simeprevir, ledipasvir)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness and take sun protection seriously.
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 the ability to drive, but individual responses may vary.
Sun Protection
Always use sunscreen and wear a hat and protective clothing when outdoors. Do not use sunlamps. Cordarone X may make your skin more sensitive to sun, ranging from increased tanning to intense redness and swelling.
Storage
Tablets: Keep in original blister pack in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from light. Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight – not in bathrooms or cars. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters high. 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 urgent medical attention immediately. 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 source doesn't specify exact timing, but treatment typically starts with higher doses that are gradually reduced as the medication takes effect. Your doctor will monitor your progress to determine when the medication is working effectively.
Yes, you can take Cordarone X tablets with water or other liquids such as tea or milk. The source doesn't mention any specific food restrictions.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without checking with your doctor. Sudden discontinuation could be dangerous for your heart rhythm.
Weight gain can occur as 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.
Your doctor will perform regular ECGs, eye tests, chest X-rays, liver function tests, and thyroid tests to monitor for potential side effects, as Cordarone X can affect the lungs, liver, eyes, and thyroid.
You must always use sunscreen and wear protective clothing and a hat when outdoors. Avoid sunlamps. Cordarone X makes your skin much more sensitive to sun, which can cause anything from increased tanning to severe redness and swelling.
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.