amiodarone (cont.)
Amiodarone also can interact with tricyclic antidepressants (for example,
amitriptyline, Elavil), or phenothiazines (for
example, chlorpromazine, Thorazine) and
potentially cause serious arrhythmias.
Amiodarone interacts with warfarin (Coumadin) and increases the risk of
bleeding. The bleeding can be serious or even fatal. This effect can occur as
early as 4-6 days after the start of the combination of drugs or can be delayed
by a few weeks.
Amiodarone can interact with some
cholesterol-lowering medicines of the
"statin" class, such as simvastatin (Zocor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), and
lovastatin (Mevacor), increasing the risk of
severe muscle breakdown and
kidney
failure or liver disease. This interaction is dose-related, meaning that lower
doses of statins are safer than higher doses when used with amiodarone. An
alternative statin, pravastatin (Pravachol), does not share this interaction and
is safer in patients taking amiodarone.
Amiodarone inhibits the metabolism of
dextromethorphan, the cough suppressant
found in most over-the-counter (and some prescription) cough and cold
medications (for example, Robitussin-DM). Although the significance of the interaction
is unknown, these two drugs probably should not be taken together if possible.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 11/14/2007
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Liver Blood Tests - Learn about liver blood tests used to detect liver damage disease such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatitis, Tylenol liver damage, and more. This includes measuring the aminotransferases enzymes (AST and ALT levels)
- Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) - Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are caused by heart attack, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, heart valve disease, medications, and more.
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