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Amiodarone is a medicine that helps to control a heart condition where the heart beats in the wrong rhythm (known as an arrhythmia). Amiodarone is an effective medicine. It can cause side effects that you should be aware of when you start taking it.
Why take amiodarone?
A healthy heart beats at a regular rate of 60-100 beats per minute. If your heart beats in the wrong rhythm - for example beating irregularly, too slow, or too fast - this is called arrhythmia. Some people do not realize they have arrhythmia until it’s discovered during a routine check-up. Symptoms include palpitations (feeling the abnormal beating), pain in the chest, dizziness or tiredness and fainting.
Certain medicines can help to control the arrhythmia – amiodarone is one such medicine that is particularly effective but can cause serious side effects.
Beginning to take amiodarone
A heart specialist usually prescribes amiodarone after several tests have been performed to ensure that amiodarone is suitable for you. Such tests are outlined below:
- Blood tests – to check for problems, e.g., with your thyroid gland or liver
- Chest X-ray within the last year – to check your heart and lungs
- ECG – to record your heart rhythm
Other investigations may also be required to assess your condition, e.g., Echocardiogram.
Since it takes a few weeks for amiodarone to build up to the right level in the body, amiodarone is prescribed at a higher dose at first and then reduced over two weeks. An example of a typical schedule is to start on 200mg three times a day for the first week; then reduce it to 200mg twice a day for the second week; then continue 200mg once a day thereafter (which your GP will continue to prescribe).
Please note that this schedule is an example and can vary. Please follow the instructions as stated on the label attached to your medication.
As with all medicines, you should make sure that you read the manufacturer’s leaflet as well as this leaflet before you start taking amiodarone.
Taking other medicines
Certain medicines can interact with amiodarone, so it is important to let your doctor know all the medicines that you are taking, including over the counter and non-conventional medicines such as herbal supplements. You should also consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are going to start taking any new medicines, to ensure that they are safe.
Do not take grapefruit juice whilst taking amiodarone.
Potential side effects and how to deal with them
Some side effects of amiodarone are not serious and only temporary, such as feeling sick and headaches. However, less common side effects such as lungs, liver, or heart problems can be more serious. For this reason, your GP will keep a close eye on your treatment (ideally, your heart specialist will still be involved in some way).
Your doctor should also arrange for you to have regular blood tests every six months to ensure that your liver and thyroid gland are working properly. If it has been over six months since your last tests, you could ask your GP about this.
It is important to recognize the more serious side effects promptly – you can help by knowing the key signs as described in the following pages.
Eyes
Within a month of starting amiodarone, almost everyone gets tiny particles building up in the outer layer of their eyeball. These don’t usually affect the eyesight and disappear if amiodarone is stopped but in rare cases, they can cause blurred vision or make people see a ‘halo’ around things. If you notice this, you should tell your GP. Yearly eye checks are recommended.
Skin
Some people on amiodarone find that their skin is more sensitive to the sun than usual. To reduce the chance of burning it is sensible to keep your arms and legs covered, wear a hat to protect your face and neck, and apply total sun block to any exposed areas of skin. This sensitivity to the sun may persist for months after amiodarone has been stopped so it is important to continue to take precautions for up to 10 months if your doctor decides to stop your amiodarone.
Amiodarone can cause your skin to have a blue or grey tinge, which should slowly decrease if amiodarone is stopped but it may not go completely. If you notice this, you should see your GP.
Thyroid gland
Amiodarone can make the body produce either too much or too little thyroid hormone. If your thyroid hormone levels are low you may feel tired, sluggish and put on weight. If levels are high, you may sweat, feel a mild shake, lose weight, or have a fast heartbeat. Thyroid symptoms may not be easy to recognize, or you may feel vaguely ill. If you notice this, you should see your GP.
Heart
Amiodarone may cause heart problems, such as a slowing of the heart. This may make you feel tired, dizzy or faint. In this situation, you should see your GP as soon as possible.
Lungs
Early signs include a cough, breathlessness and high temperature that doesn’t clear up or get worse. You must see your GP if you notice any of these symptoms, as the sooner they are dealt with the better chance there is of them resolving once amiodarone is stopped.
Liver
Most liver-related side effects are so mild that you may not know anything is wrong and they may only be spotted by a blood test. This is why your liver function needs to be tested every six months (as a simple blood test that your GP can arrange for you). One sign of a serious problem is yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) – in this case you should tell your GP immediately.
Nervous system
This type of side effect includes shaking, unsteady walking, weaknesses of the hands or legs, and pins and needles. If you notice such symptoms, you should see your GP since the symptoms usually improve if the dose is lowered.
If you require any further medicines information please contact the Medicines Information Department, Pharmacy, Frimley Park Hospital on 0300 6134727.
Sources of further information
British Heart Foundation at www.
Tel: 0300 330 3322 Email: supporterservices
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Cardiology service.
About this information
Service:
Cardiology
Reference:
C/022
Approval date:
7 August 2025
Review date:
1 August 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.