Drug name: Generic Cordarone

Active substance: Amiodarone HCl

Pharmacological effects: Cordarone is an antiarrhythmic agent of the III class. The drug exerts antiarrhythmic and antianginal effects. The anti-arrhythmical effect of Amiodarone is associated with increase of the 3-d phase of action potential. The preparation competitively blocks alpha and beta-adrenoreceptors. The drug slows sinoatrial, atrial and nodular conductivity without affecting intra-ventricular conductivity. The drug increases the refractory period and slows conduction of excitement.

The antianginal effect of the drug is achieved through decrease of oxygen consumption by the myocardium., increase of coronary blood flow and support of the cardiac output through decrease of pressure in the aort and decrease of peripheral resistance. Amiodarone also affects thyroid hormone metabolism thus decreasing the stimulative effect of thyroid hormones on the myocardium. The therapeutic effect is achieved in 1 week after the start of the treatment.

Indications: The drug is indicated for such major conditions as:

• Rapid relief of paroxysmal tachycardia
• Relapse prophylaxis in:
• Life threatening ventricular arrhythmia and fibrillation of cardiac ventricles.
• Supraventricular paroxysmal tachycardia
• Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter
• Prophylaxis of sudden arrhythmical death in patients from the high risk group

Warnings and Precautions: The drugs should not be used in the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity to any components of the preparations or to Iodine
• Sick sinus syndrome
• Abnormalities of atrioventricular and intra-ventricular conduction
• Thyroid gland dysfunction
• Hypokalemia
• Cardiac failure
• Interstitial lung disease
• Age younger the 18 years
• Pregnancy
• Lactation period

The drug should be used with caution in:

• Chronic cardiac insufficiency
• Liver failure
• Bronchial asthma
• Elderly age

Side effects: Drugs may cause side-effects which in specific patients may manifest differently. In the following paragraph we want to underline the most serious and frequent side effect of Amiodarone that were identified by the drug manufacturers. The possibility of the adverse effect manifestation depends only on the individual and his specific traits. Cordarone side effects include:

• Cardiovascular system: bradycardia, sinus block, conduction abnormality, arrhythmia or aggravation of already existing arrhythmia in specific cases cardiac arrest
• Visual organs: micro deposits of lipofuscin in cornea, neuropathy of the visual nerve
• Dermatological reactions: erythema, photosensibilisation, exfoliative dermatitis. In long-term treatment grayish or bluish skin pigmentation
• Endocrine system: Increased levels of T3 in the blood serum, hypothyroidism, increased body weight, decreased activity, more expressed then anticipated bradycardia.
• Gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting, change of taste, increased activity of liver transaminase, jaundice
• Respiratory tract: Pneumonitis, fibrosis, pleuritis, obliterating bronchitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome.
• CNS and peripheral nervous system: Sensory peripheral neuropathy, myopathy, extrapyramidal tremor, cerebellar ataxia, benign cerebral hypertension, nightmares.
• Allergic reactions: vasculitis, renal impairment manifested in increased levels of creatinine, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia
• Others: Impotence, epididymitis

For full information on any risks and adverse effects associated with Amiodarone, please consult your doctor, read the included leaflet or contact our customer support service.

Interactions: Before using Cordarone please tell your doctor which drugs or supplements you are already taking including those bought without a prescription. Also check if any additional medicine which you will take during the course of Cordarone therapy are safe in combination. Especially mention if you are taking the following groups of drugs:

• Other antiarrhythmic drugs
• Antibiotics
• Drugs affecting cerebral blood flow
• Beta-blockers
• Ca2+ channel blockers
• Laxative stimulants
• Diuretics
• Corticosteroids
• Anticoagulants
• Cardiac glycosides
• Anti-epileptics
• Seizure treatment
• Na+ channel blockers
• Anesthetics

Patients information: Amiodarone is not to be shared with healthy individuals. It is strictly FORBIDDEN to use the drugs in treatment of any conditions unrelated to their indications. The product as well as utilized vials, syringes, needles if used during the course of treatment should be kept out of reach of children and never reused.