Drug Uses

Cordarone is used in treating irregularities in heart beat and other conditions if prescribed by your doctor.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may choose to take Cordarone with a meal to avoid an upset stomach or without one. You must avoid grapefruit while taking Cordarone.

Please drink a full glass of water with Cordarone.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Cordarone at room temperature (read medicine label if unsure). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Overdose

An overdose of Cordarone may have adverse effects that require immediate medical attention. Contact the nearest emergency poison control center immediately if you notice effects like fainting, severe dizziness, unusually slow pulse, weakness.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Cordarone if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like you have complete, second degree, third degree, or severe sinoatrial heart block; an abnormally slow heartbeat; or shock due to serious heart problems; or if you have had fainting due to slow heartbeat (except if you have a pacemaker) ;
you are taking cisapride, dofetilide, an H1 antagonist (eg, astemizole, loratadine, terfenadine), an HIV protease inhibitor (eg, ritonavir), a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (eg, vardenafil), or a streptogramin (eg, dalfopristin, quinupristin).

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.

Cordarone may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Cordarone. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like electrocardiogram (ECG), chest x-rays, lung tests, liver tests, thyroid tests, and eye exams to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Cordarone. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

You should not expose your body to Cordarone for a long time as it may cause blue gray discoloration of the skin. The effect is not harmful and usually the skin color changes back to normal once this medicine is stopped.

Cordarone also increases your sensitivity to sun. Therefore you need to avoid prolonged exposure to sun. You should only consume alcohol in limited quantity while taking Cordarone.

You need to carry an identification card with you all the time you are taking Cordarone. You might be needed to monitor your pulse rate and therefore you should tell the doctor to train you on how to monitor your pulse.

The safety and effectiveness of Cordarone in children have not been ascertained and therefore should not be used in children.

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Cordarone before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Cordarone to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Cordarone as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.