Amiodarone Medications
Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat irregular heartbeats, such as ventricular tachycardia, by affecting potassium channels in heart cells.
Buy Amiodarone Medications
Information About Amiodarone
Amiodarone is a potent anti-arrhythmic medication used when other heart rhythm drugs fail to control dangerous ventricular or atrial tachyarrhythmias. Belonging to the class III anti-arrhythmic group, it prolongs the cardiac action potential by blocking potassium channels while also inhibiting sodium, calcium channels and β-adrenergic receptors. This broad electrophysiological profile makes amiodarone effective for ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and refractory atrial fibrillation. It is available both as a branded product (e.g., Cordarone, Pacerone) and as a generic formulation, widely stocked through licensed pharmacies. Off-label, clinicians sometimes use amiodarone for postoperative atrial fibrillation prevention or for certain supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, though these applications lack formal regulatory endorsement. The drug’s long half-life and extensive tissue distribution require careful monitoring, but when used appropriately it can be life-saving.
What is Amiodarone?
Amiodarone is classified as a class III anti-arrhythmic agent, also exhibiting class I, II and IV properties. The Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approved amiodarone for the management of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in 1991, and later added refractory atrial fibrillation to its label. The United States FDA first approved the drug in 1975, while the European Medicines Agency granted marketing authorization in 1992.
At the molecular level, amiodarone blocks the rapid component of the delayed-rectifier potassium current (I_Kr), slowing repolarisation and extending the refractory period of cardiac tissue. It simultaneously inhibits sodium influx, reduces calcium-mediated contractility, and antagonises β-adrenergic receptors, producing a comprehensive stabilisation of cardiac excitability. Both branded (Cordarone®, Pacerone®) and generic versions can be purchased from our online pharmacy, offering patients a choice of name-brand confidence or cost-effective equivalents.
How Amiodarone Works
Mechanism of Action
Amiodarone binds to the hERG potassium channel, decreasing I_Kr conductance and prolonging phase 3 of the cardiac action potential. By extending the effective refractory period, it prevents premature re-excitation that underlies tachyarrhythmias. Its additional sodium-channel blockade (class I effect) reduces the upstroke velocity of the action potential, while calcium-channel inhibition dampens intracellular calcium overload. β-adrenergic antagonism (class II effect) further blunts sympathetic stimulation, contributing to rate control in atrial fibrillation.
Therapeutic Effects
The combined electrophysiological actions translate into slowed heart-rate response, suppression of ectopic beats, and conversion of sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation back to sinus rhythm. In atrial fibrillation, amiodarone restores regular atrial activity and maintains sinus rhythm, especially when rapid ventricular response is refractory to other agents.
Onset and Duration
Intravenous administration yields rhythm conversion within minutes; a typical 150 mg IV bolus followed by a 1 mg/min infusion can terminate ventricular fibrillation rapidly. Oral therapy requires weeks to achieve steady-state plasma concentrations due to a half-life of 40-55 days and extensive tissue storage. Clinical improvement in atrial fibrillation often emerges after 2-3 weeks of loading, with long-term maintenance effects persisting for months after dose reduction.
Approved Uses and Applications
Approved Indications
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF): First-line therapy when immediate cardioversion is required or when other anti-arrhythmics are contraindicated (HSA, FDA).
- Refractory atrial fibrillation (AF): For patients in whom rate-control agents or other rhythm-control drugs have failed (EMA, HSA).
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) unresponsive to class I or II agents: Occasionally endorsed in clinical guidelines for refractory SVT.
Off-Label Uses
Amiodarone is sometimes employed for postoperative atrial fibrillation prophylaxis after cardiac surgery and for certain congenital or inherited arrhythmia syndromes, such as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. These applications are not officially approved by the HSA or FDA and should be considered experimental.
Clinical Efficacy
In the Scandinavian Cardiac Arrhythmia Study (published in The New England Journal of Medicine), amiodarone reduced the recurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias by 34 % compared with placebo over a 12-month period. For atrial fibrillation, the Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) trial reported a 58 % success rate in maintaining sinus rhythm at six months when amiodarone was used as the primary rhythm-control strategy.
Buying Amiodarone from Our Online Pharmacy
Why Choose Our Service
Accessing amiodarone in Singapore can be challenging due to limited stock in some community pharmacies. Our pharmacy service bridges that gap, delivering the medication directly to your doorstep while ensuring full regulatory compliance and patient privacy.
Brand Names and Generic Options
- Cordarone® - original branded formulation, 200 mg tablets.
- Pacerone® - alternative brand with identical bioavailability.
- Generic amiodarone - OEM-manufactured tablets, typically 100 mg or 200 mg, offering up to 40 % cost savings.
Quality & Safety
We facilitate orders through licensed international pharmacies that operate under strict WHO-GMP standards and are vetted by the Singapore HSA.
Pricing & Access
Generic tablets are priced competitively, often half the cost of branded versions. A “Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders” further reduces long-term expense for chronic users.
Discreet Delivery
Express shipping arrives in approximately 7 days, while standard delivery takes up to three weeks. All packages are sealed in neutral, tamper-evident envelopes to protect your privacy.
Dosing, Formulations & Administration
Available Formulations
Amiodarone is supplied as oral tablets (100 mg, 200 mg) and as an injectable solution (150 mg/3 mL). Extended-release formulations are not currently marketed in Singapore.
Typical Dosing Ranges
- Ventricular arrhythmias (IV): 150 mg rapid bolus, then 1 mg/min infusion for 6 hours, followed by oral loading.
- Oral loading (AF or VT): 800-1 600 mg daily until a cumulative dose of 10 g is reached, then maintenance of 100-200 mg daily. These examples reflect commonly used regimens; the exact dose must be individualised by a qualified clinician.
Administration Guidelines
Amiodarone tablets should be taken with food to minimise gastrointestinal upset. The injectable solution must be diluted with compatible fluids and administered under cardiac monitoring. Because of its long half-life, dose adjustments are made cautiously, typically after several weeks of therapy.
A healthcare provider should determine the precise dose, schedule, and route based on the patient’s cardiac status, comorbidities, and laboratory results.
Safety Profile & Considerations
Common Side Effects
- Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism: Occurs in up to 15 % of patients (clinical trials).
- Pulmonary toxicity: Interstitial pneumonitis reported in 2-5 % of long-term users.
- Corneal deposits: Seen in >70 % of patients on chronic therapy, usually asymptomatic.
- Photosensitivity and skin discoloration: Documented in 10 % of cases.
- Gastrointestinal upset: Nausea and constipation affect roughly 12 % of users.
Serious Adverse Events
- Acute liver injury: Rare but may present with elevated transaminases; requires immediate evaluation.
- Severe bradycardia or heart block: May necessitate temporary pacing.
- Pulmonary fibrosis: Progressive dyspnoea warrants drug discontinuation.
Contraindications
- Second- or third-degree atrioventricular block without pacemaker.
- Sinus bradycardia <50 bpm.
- Known iodine allergy or iodine-induced thyroid disease.
- Severe respiratory insufficiency or active pulmonary disease.
Drug Interactions
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, erythromycin): Increase amiodarone plasma levels, raising toxicity risk.
- Warfarin: Potentiates anticoagulant effect; monitor INR closely.
- Digoxin: Elevates digoxin concentrations; adjust dose as needed.
- Statins (simvastatin, lovastatin): Heightened risk of myopathy; consider alternative lipid-lowering agents.
Special Populations
- Pregnancy: Category D; potential fetal thyroid dysfunction. Use only when benefits outweigh risks.
- Breastfeeding: Excreted in milk; contraindicated.
- Elderly: Reduced hepatic clearance may necessitate lower maintenance doses.
- Renal or hepatic impairment: Dose adjustments and close monitoring of drug levels are recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What distinguishes amiodarone from other anti-arrhythmic drugs? Amiodarone’s unique blend of class I-IV actions gives it the broadest efficacy against both ventricular and atrial tachyarrhythmias, whereas most other agents target a single channel type.
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How long does it take for amiodarone to start working in atrial fibrillation? Oral loading usually produces a therapeutic effect within 2-3 weeks; however, rhythm conversion may take up to 6 weeks in some patients.
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Can I take amiodarone with my thyroid medication? Amiodarone can both suppress and stimulate thyroid function. If you are on levothyroxine or antithyroid drugs, your endocrinologist must monitor hormone levels regularly.
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What should I do if I develop a persistent cough while on amiodarone? A dry cough can be an early sign of pulmonary toxicity. Contact your physician promptly for chest imaging and possible drug discontinuation.
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Are there foods I should avoid while taking amiodarone? High-iodine foods (e.g., seaweed, iodized salt) may exacerbate thyroid disturbances; discuss dietary habits with your clinician.
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Is it safe to drive after starting amiodarone? Because bradycardia and dizziness can occur during the loading phase, avoid operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
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Does taking amiodarone with food affect absorption? Food modestly improves gastrointestinal tolerance but does not significantly change bioavailability; tablets are typically taken with meals.
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What monitoring is required during long-term amiodarone therapy? Regular thyroid function tests, liver enzymes, chest X-ray or high-resolution CT, and pulmonary function tests are recommended every 3-6 months.
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Can amiodarone be used in patients with a pacemaker? Yes; in fact, it is often prescribed alongside a pacemaker for patients with ventricular arrhythmias, but clinicians must programme appropriate rate limits.
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What information should I provide my doctor when discussing amiodarone?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of thyroid, lung, liver, or cardiac conduction abnormalities.
- Recent lab results (thyroid panel, liver enzymes, renal function).
- Specific symptoms you hope to control (e.g., frequency of palpitations, episodes of fainting).
Disclaimer
The information provided about amiodarone is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing amiodarone for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing amiodarone.
