Key result
Chronic amiodarone is linked to adverse effects in ~43% of patients, particularly at higher doses.
Why the study?
Amiodarone is an effective anti-arrhythmic drug with a high toxicity profile and potentially life-threatening side effects involving various organs.
Observational (n=67)
Chronic oral amiodarone is relatively safe at doses of 200-1100 mg/week, but doses of 1400-2800 mg/week are associated with incident renal, ophthalmic, hepatic, and endocrine side effects.
High side-effect rates with chronic amiodarone may warrant closer surveillance; leaves open optimal dosing and risk mitigation in prospective studies.
Background: Amiodarone belongs to Class-III anti-arrhythmic drugs. It is one of the most effective anti-arrhythmic drugs used to treat or prevent several types of arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and wide complex tachycardia, but unfortunately carries a high toxicity profile. Also, side effects of amiodarone involving various organs can be life-threatening. Materials & methods: This was an observational study carried out for six months i.e from April to September. The study included patients who are on amiodarone for greater than or equal to six months. The required data was collected in-person from the case sheets, treatment charts, and by interviewing the patients. The data for 67 patients was documented in suitable data collection form for analysis. Results: From our study data, it was noted that amiodarone was used for 3 different indications-atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular tachycardia. Among 67 patients enrolled, 38 had no side-effects. Side-effects data in the rest grouped basing on the organ system affected: 9 patients had renal effects, 6 patients had ophthalmic effects, 4 patients had endocrine effects, and 5 patients had hepatic effects. Conclusion: From our study, it is concluded that amiodarone is a safe and effective anti-arrhythmic drug at lower doses i.e. 200-1100 mg/week. When treated in lower doses of 1400-2800 mg/week, many side effects have been incident. Although these effects are mild and develop only after prolonged usage of the drug, it should be used judiciously.
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Fatima et al. (2022) conducted an observational in Arrhythmias (n=67). Amiodarone was evaluated on Side effects. Chronic amiodarone therapy resulted in side effects in 29 of 67 patients (43.3%), including renal, ophthalmic, hepatic, and endocrine effects, particularly at doses of 1400-2800 mg/week.
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