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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Amiodarone and eyesight
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Amiodarone and eyesight
by lisa, Oct 23, 1999 12:00AM
I recently (Sept) had a successful cardioversion which was preceded by taking 800 milligrams of amiodarone daily. The medication was reduced to 200 milligrams daily. For about 2 weeks my eyes have been extremely sensetive to sunlight during the day and car headlights at night. Could this be a side effect of the amiodarone or should something like that show up sooner than 2 months? On really bright days, my eyes feel like they're
constantly dialated, even with sunglasses. Thanks much!
constantly dialated, even with sunglasses. Thanks much!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC, Oct 25, 1999 12:00AM
Photophobia (sensitivity to light) can occur in about 10% of patients taking amiodarone. Be sure to discuss this with your physician. If it is particularly troubling to you he/she may wish to change medications. Here is some additional information on amiodarone.
Amiodarone (brand names Codarone, Pacerone) is an antiarrhythmic drug used for a variety of different heart rhythms. It is a Class III antiarrhythmic drug and has both antiarrhythmic effects and beta-blocker effects. It has a very long half life (about 90 days) and is cleared by the liver. The dosage will generally be higher during a loading period and is then decreased to usually 200 mg a day for maintenance dosing.
Contraindications to is use include severe sinus node dysfunction and in those with any known hypersensitivity to the drug.
There are several serious potential side effects and careful monitoring of the drug is necessary. Potential side effects are lung toxicity that could potentially result in death and liver injury.
Less serious side effects are corneal deposits, photosensitivity (sensitivity to the sun), thyroid abnormalities and new arrhythmias.
Drug interactions to be aware of are with digoxin, other antiarrhythmics, warfarin, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.
Flushing has been reported in 1-3% of patients taking the drug.
Blue skin discoloration has been reported in less than 1% of patients taking the drug.
There are no reports of hypertension due to amiodarone.
Amiodarone (brand names Codarone, Pacerone) is an antiarrhythmic drug used for a variety of different heart rhythms. It is a Class III antiarrhythmic drug and has both antiarrhythmic effects and beta-blocker effects. It has a very long half life (about 90 days) and is cleared by the liver. The dosage will generally be higher during a loading period and is then decreased to usually 200 mg a day for maintenance dosing.
Contraindications to is use include severe sinus node dysfunction and in those with any known hypersensitivity to the drug.
There are several serious potential side effects and careful monitoring of the drug is necessary. Potential side effects are lung toxicity that could potentially result in death and liver injury.
Less serious side effects are corneal deposits, photosensitivity (sensitivity to the sun), thyroid abnormalities and new arrhythmias.
Drug interactions to be aware of are with digoxin, other antiarrhythmics, warfarin, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.
Flushing has been reported in 1-3% of patients taking the drug.
Blue skin discoloration has been reported in less than 1% of patients taking the drug.
There are no reports of hypertension due to amiodarone.
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