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Home > Drug Category > Myocardial Infarct Medications, Cardiovascular Treatments > Pacerone and Equivalent

Pacerone Information

Pacerone (Amiodarone) is a highly potent antiarrhythmic used to treat and prevent recurrent episodes of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, which are fast, abnormal heart rhythms originating in the heart's lower chambers. Pacerone is typically used when other treatments are not tolerated or effective.

Amiodarone works by stabilizing the heart's electrical system to prevent and control chaotic, rapid rhythms. It blocks potassium channels, which delays the time it takes for heart cells to reset their electrical charge after each beat. This creates an extended rest period during which the heart muscle is unresponsive to abnormal, rapid electrical triggers. Additionally, this medication blocks sodium channels, slowing the conduction of electrical impulses through the heart muscle.

It also acts as an anti-adrenaline agent by blocking beta receptors, protecting the heart from overstimulation by stress hormones. Finally, blocking calcium channels slows electrical conduction through the atrioventricular node, preventing chaotic signals from the heart's upper chambers from dangerously driving the lower pumping chambers.

Pacerone Side Effects

Amiodarone has a broad side effects profile. Some side effects can appear weeks or months into therapy and may persist long after stopping the medication. Mild side effects that may occur during the initial phase of starting this medication include abdominal pain, bad taste, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness or lightheadedness, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity of skin to sunlight, and tremor. If you experience any of these mild side effects and they persist or worsen, promptly inform your doctor.

Amiodarone has the potential to cause damage to some vital organs in the body, such as the thyroid, liver, and lungs. Therefore, consult your doctor as soon as possible if you notice serious side effects such as:
• Liver problems, with symptoms like severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, passing brown or dark-colored urine, feeling more tired than usual, yellow skin and whites of your eyes;
• Nerve problems such as tingling sensations in hands or feet, muscle weakness, uncontrolled movements, poor coordination, and trouble walking;
• Skin problems such as blue-grey coloring of skin on face, neck, and arms;
• Thyroid problems with symptoms such as weakness, weight loss or weight gain, heat or cold intolerance, hair thinning, sweating, changes in your menses, swelling of your neck (goiter), nervousness, irritability, restlessness, decreased concentration, depression in older people, or persistent tremor;
• Vision problems such as blurred vision or permanent blindness;

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice the following serious side effects:
• Allergic reactions such as body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Breathing difficulties, cough, wheezing, chest pain, and spitting blood;
• Heart-related symptoms such as heart pounding, skipping a beat, beating very fast or very slowly, and feeling light-headed or faint

Also, inform your doctor if you notice any other side effects not listed here.

Pacerone Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to amiodarone, other ingredients in Pacerone, or any other medication; or if you have certain heart conditions, such as cardiogenic shock, heart block, or a low heart rate.

Before using this medication, it is essential to inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Blood pressure problems;
• Certain lung problems;
• Electrolyte imbalances, such as low blood levels of potassium or magnesium;
• Eye problems;
• Liver problems;
• Thyroid problems

Also, if you are scheduled to have a surgical procedure, inform your doctor that you are taking this medication. Be sure to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors while taking amiodarone, as it can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. Drinking grapefruit juice while taking Pacerone can dramatically elevate amiodarone blood concentrations, significantly increasing the risk of severe toxicities and dangerous heart rhythm changes. It must be entirely avoided while taking amiodarone.

Medications such as azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), ritonavir, and macrolide antibiotics slow Pacerone metabolism in the liver, potentially raising its blood levels to harmful levels. Therefore, be sure to inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal products and supplements, to determine whether they are safe to use with amiodarone.

Pacerone can cause significant fetal harm when used by a pregnant woman. It has been shown to cause thyroid and heart problems in the developing fetus. It has also been proven to pass through breastmilk and potentially affect the breastfed infant. Therefore, amiodarone is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Pacerone?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Pacerone.