Adverse effects of amiodarone.

Amiodarone was introduced 30 years ago as an antianginal agent and subsequently has been used as an antiarrhythmic agent. This drug was initially used for patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias; however, currently it is being used broadly for rate and rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation. At first, amiodarone was primarily used by cardiologists and today it is used throughout the medical profession. Amiodarone therapy can potentially result in a wide range of adverse effects. The majority of these adverse effects are dose related and reversible. The following is a review of the adverse effects and drug interactions of amiodarone along with recommendations for identification and management of these adverse effects.