Why is this drug prescribed?

Cordarone X tablets contain the active ingredient amiodarone, which is a type of drug called an antiarrhythmic. Amiodarone tablets are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug. Amiodarone is used to control abnormal heartbeats. The heart's pumping action is controlled by electrical signals that pass through the heart muscle. The electrical signals cause the two pairs of heart chambers to contract in a regular manner that produces the heartbeat. If the electrical activity in the heart is disturbed for any reason, irregular heartbeats of various types can result. These can seriously undermine the pumping action of the heart and result in inefficient blood circulation around the body. Amiodarone works by slowing the electrical impulses in the heart muscle. This helps to regulate and restore disturbances in the heart rhythm. Amiodarone is used to treat a variety of different types of fast, abnormal heart rhythms. It is used for severe rhythm disorders when other treatments are not effective or cannot be used.

Treatments

* Fast, abnormal heart rhythms associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome * Fast, abnormal heart rhythms, including supraventricular, nodal and ventricular tachycardias, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and ventricular fibrillation, when other drugs cannot be used.

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Micro-deposits in the protective outer layer of the eye, reversible on withdrawal of treatment, which can cause drivers to be dazzled by headlights at night. * Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash * Reversible grey/blueish tint to skin exposed to light, particularly the face * Nausea and vomiting * Metallic taste * Slower than normal heart beat * Interference with functioning of the thyroid gland * Difficulty in sleeping * Nightmares * Lung disorders such as inflammation or scarring and stiffening causing breathlessness * Tremor * Fatigue * Disorder of the peripheral nerves causing weakness and numbness * Disorder of the muscles * Hair loss * Headache * Balance problems involving the inner ear * New or worsening abnormal heartbeat * Inflammation of the epididymis which has spread to involve the testis * Impotence * Liver problems