Dronedarone: a new treatment for atrial fibrillation.

Dronedarone. Dronedarone is a benzofuran derivative pharmacologically related to amiodarone but without the iodine moiety. It is designed for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Historically, amiodarone has proved most effective in maintaining sinus rhythm and has been used safely in patients with advanced heart failure. However, its use has been limited by cumulative and often irreversible organ toxicity, especially in younger patients. Dronedarone was developed in an effort to provide equivalent efficacy and safety with less toxicity. Dronedarone has proved efficacious without toxic or proarrhythmic effects and has minimal side effects, but remaining concerns exist regarding its use in patients with advanced heart failure.