Dronedarone is used to reduce the risk of hospitalization in patients with a history of atrial fibrillation.
What is Dronedarone?
Dronedarone is an antiarrhythmic. Its exact mechanism of action has not yet been identified.
How should Dronedarone be taken?
Dronedarone is administered orally.
Side effects associated with Dronedarone
Dronedarone may increase skin sensitivity to the sun and it may cause kidney or liver problems.
Among the other possible side effects of dronedarone include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Mild stomach pain
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Weakness
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness or chest pain
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Unusual hoarseness
- Cough
- New or aggravated heart irregularities
- Slow heartbeat
- Heart failure
- Liver problems
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Dronedarone
Dronedarone is contraindicated in case of permanent atrial fibrillation, severe heart failure, certain heart problems or severe liver problems during pregnancy and breast-feeding. It should also not be taken by those who have developed liver or lung problems after taking amiodarone, medicines that may prolong QT interval, other antiarrhythmics, asenapine, certain azole antifungals, carbamazepine, citalopram, clozapine, cobicistat, cyclosporine, fingolimod, halofantrine, haloperidol, hydantoins, macrolides, maprotiline, nefazodone, ondansetron, paliperidone, phenobarbital, fenotiazione, primidone, protease inhibitors, quetiapine, rifamycins, St. John's wort, telithromycin, tetrabenazine, tricyclic antidepressants or vardenafil. During treatment with dronedarone, it is advisable not to eat grapefruit or drinks its juice.
Before starting treatment with dronedarone, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or to any other drugs (especially sulfa drugs) or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: drugs that may prolong the QT interval, other antiarrhythmics, asenapine, certain azole antifungals, carbamazepine, citalopram, clozapine, cobicistat, cyclosporine, fingolimod, halofantrine, haloperidol, hydantoins, macrolides, maprotiline, nefazodone, ondansetron, paliperidone, phenobarbital, fenotiazione, primidone, protease inhibitors, quetiapine, rifamycins, St. John's wort, telithromycin, tetrabenazine, tricyclic antidepressants or vardenafil
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from heart problems, electrolyte imbalances, liver or kidney problems, lung problems or respiratory problems
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
It is important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with dronedarone.
