Amiodarone
Amiodarone is a potent antiarrhythmic medication used to treat and prevent serious heart rhythm disorders. It works by helping the heart maintain a normal rhythm by prolonging the electrical activity in heart cells. This medication is typically reserved for patients with life-threatening arrhythmias or those who have not responded to other treatments.
Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic used to treat serious heart rhythm disorders by prolonging cardiac electrical activity.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01BD01
- RxNorm
- 703
- Generic
- Amiodarone
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- Pacerone, Nexterone
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, prefilled syringe, tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
generalavoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; amiodarone crosses placenta and can cause fetal toxicity
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound and fetal heart rate monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during first trimester when organogenesis occurs; consider alternative antiarrhythmic therapy
detailed fetal anatomy ultrasound at 18-20 weeks
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
amiodarone is excreted in breast milk in significant concentrations; breastfeeding should be discontinued
if breastfeeding continues, monitor infant thyroid function and cardiac function
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing required
use only in pediatric patients with life-threatening arrhythmias under close specialist supervision; loading dose and maintenance dosing differs from adults
regular ECG monitoring, thyroid function tests, liver function tests, and pulmonary function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower doses
initiate therapy at lower end of dosing range; increased sensitivity to drug effects in elderly
regular ECG monitoring, thyroid function tests, liver function tests, and pulmonary function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severeno significant dose adjustment needed
amiodarone is minimally excreted renally; use standard dosing but monitor closely for accumulation
monitor renal function and drug levels if available; watch for signs of toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateconsider dose reduction
amiodarone is extensively metabolized in liver; use with caution and consider dose reduction in hepatic impairment
regular liver function tests and monitoring for signs of hepatotoxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks; significant dose reduction required if used
frequent liver function monitoring and drug level monitoring if available
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Amiodarone
Drug class
Pharmacological classification according to ATC system
Primary indications
FDA-approved therapeutic uses
Brand names
Commercial brand names for Amiodarone
Used to treat and prevent various cardiac arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, atrial fibrillation, and supraventricular tachycardia. Often reserved for severe or life-threatening rhythm disorders.
Primarily a class III antiarrhythmic that prolongs the cardiac action potential and refractory period. Exhibits properties of all four Vaughan Williams classes, including sodium channel blocking, beta-blocking, calcium channel blocking, and potassium channel blocking effects.
Has numerous potential side effects affecting the thyroid gland, lungs, liver, eyes, and skin. Requires regular monitoring of thyroid function, liver enzymes, lung function, and ophthalmologic exams. Has multiple drug interactions and a very long half-life, requiring careful dosing and monitoring. Should only be used under close medical supervision.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy