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Dronedarone
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Description
Dronedarone is used to maintain normal heartbeats in patients with a recent episode of atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation (rhythm disorders of the atrium) which may be life-threatening. It reduces the risk of the need for hospitalization in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial flutter (AFL) or atrial fibrillation (AF).
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Dronedarone
Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness
Unusual tiredness and weakness
Chest pain or discomfort
Fainting
Indigestion
Skin rash
Stomach discomfort, upset or pain
Acid or sour stomach
Shortness of breath
Change in taste
Uses of Dronedarone
What is it prescribed for?
Atrial Fibrillation
This medicine is used to maintain normal heartbeats in patients with a recent episode of atrial fibrillation, an irregular and rapid heart rate that causes poor blood flow.
Atrial Flutter
This medicine is used to maintain normal heartbeats in patients with a recent episode of atrial flutter, abnormally rapid rhythm of the heart.
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
Onset of action
The amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.Duration of effect
The amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.Safe with alcohol?
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.Is it habit forming?
No habit-forming tendencies were reported.Usage in pregnancy?
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.Usage while breast-feeding?
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to dronedarone or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Bradycardia
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a heart rate less than 50 beats per minute due to the risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Severe Hepatic impairment
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver impairment due to the risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Heart block greater than first degree
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with second or third-degree heart block due to the risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Heart Failure
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with heart failure and recent decompensation requiring hospitalization or NYHA Class IV heart failure due to the risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Use in children
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 18 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Other medicines
Dronedarone may interact with many other medicines and may cause severe adverse effects. Hence, it is advised that you inform the doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Pulmonary Toxicity
This medicine may cause severe lung injury which includes hypersensitivity pneumonitis and Interstitial Pneumonitis. Discontinue the treatment as soon as these symptoms appear until the exact cause is identified.
Liver impairment
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver impairment.
Hypokalemia and Hypomagnesemia
This medicine when used with potassium-depleting diuretics, may increase the risk of low potassium (Hypokalemia) and low magnesium (Hypomagnesemia) blood levels. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Use in elderly population
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in elderly patients above 75 years of age due to the risk of adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Driving and operating machinery
This medicine may cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, weakness, etc. in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
The missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it is already time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Escitalopram
Ondansetron
Ciprofloxacin
Alprazolam
Disease interactions
Hepatic Dysfunction
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver impairment.
Food interactions
Consumption of grapefruit juice or grapefruit is not recommended while taking this medicine due to increased risk of irregular heartbeat. Any symptoms of irregular heartbeat should be reported to the doctor.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine exactly as instructed by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of any severe side effects. Ensure that the course of treatment is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by reducing the hyperactivity of the heart muscles which helps the heart to beat normally.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Group III antiarrhythmics
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 11 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2018 [cited 11 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 11 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2018 [cited 11 December 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 24 Apr 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.