Amiodarone
Also known as: Cordarone, Pacerone, Nexterone
Your pet has been prescribed amiodarone to treat a serious, potentially life-threatening heart rhythm abnormality. Because this is a very potent medication, careful monitoring is required. * **Informed Consent:** Because experience with this drug in pets is limited and it carries a risk of toxicity, your veterinarian will discuss the risks and benefits with you before starting treatment. * **Administration:** Give exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop the medication abruptly without consulting your veterinarian. * **Side Effects to Watch For:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet stops eating, vomits, seems unusually lethargic, develops a cough, or has difficulty breathing. * **Follow-up Testing:** Your pet will need regular blood tests to monitor liver and thyroid function, as well as periodic ECGs to ensure the drug is working safely.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- For atrial fibrillation or ventricular arrhythmias primarily in ambulatory patients
- For ventricular arrhythmias secondary to occult cardiomyopathy in Doberman pinschers
- For ventricular tachycardia when other first line drugs (Class I antiarrhythmics ± beta-blockers) are ineffective
- For SVTs or Vtach
- Ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, ventricular pre-excitation syndromes
- For conversion of atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Hepatopathy (elevated liver enzymes, bilirubinemia)
- Bradycardia
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Positive Coombs' test
- Corneal deposits
- Injection site pain (IV)
- Facial pruritus and hyperemia (IV)
- Hind limb weakness (horses)
- Diarrhea (horses)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to amiodarone or iodine
- Severe sinus-node dysfunction
- Severe sinus bradycardia
- 2nd or 3rd degree AV block
- Bradycardial syncope
- > **High Toxicity Potential:** Clinical experience in veterinary patients is limited. Use only when other less toxic and more commonly used drugs are ineffective. * **Hepatic Effects:** Hepatopathy can occur before clinical signs are noted; routine serial evaluation of liver enzymes and bilirubin is strongly recommended. * **Thyroid Function:** May alter thyroid hormone levels (increases T4 and reverse T3, decreases T3) due to high iodine content. * **Pregnancy:** FDA Category D. Embryotoxic in laboratory animals; congenital thyroid abnormalities detected in offspring. Use only if benefits outweigh risks.
Drug interactions
- Warfarin (Anticoagulants): Significantly increases serum levels and/or pharmacologic/toxic effects of the anticoagulant.
- Digoxin: Significantly increases serum levels and/or toxic effects of digoxin.
- Cyclosporine: Increases cyclosporine levels; may increase creatinine.
- Lidocaine: Significantly increases serum levels and/or toxic effects of lidocaine.
- Methotrexate: Significantly increases serum levels and/or toxic effects with prolonged amiodarone administration.
- Phenytoin: Significantly increases serum levels and/or toxic effects of phenytoin.
- Procainamide: Significantly increases serum levels and/or toxic effects of procainamide.
- Quinidine: Significantly increases serum levels and/or toxic effects of quinidine.
- Azole Antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole): Additive effects on QTc interval; possible serious arrhythmias.
- Cisapride: Additive effects on QTc interval; possible serious arrhythmias.
Frequently asked questions
What is Amiodarone used for in pets?
Your pet has been prescribed amiodarone to treat a serious, potentially life-threatening heart rhythm abnormality. Because this is a very potent medication, careful monitoring is required. * **Informed Consent:** Because experience with this drug in pets is limited and it carries a risk of toxicity, your veterinarian will discuss the risks and benefits with you before starting treatment. * **Administration:** Give exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop the medication abruptly without consulting your veterinarian. * **Side Effects to Watch For:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet stops eating, vomits, seems unusually lethargic, develops a cough, or has difficulty breathing. * **Follow-up Testing:** Your pet will need regular blood tests to monitor liver and thyroid function, as well as periodic ECGs to ensure the drug is working safely.
Is Amiodarone safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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