UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: AMIODARINE TOXICITIES AND ADVERSE EVENTS

Category: Toxicology

Keywords: amiodarone, torsades, hypothyroidism, toxicity, adverse effects, medication induced (PubMed Search)

Posted: 3/6/2008 by Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
Click here to contact Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD

Did you know how many toxicities and adverse effects amiodarone has? Many are severe, and many VERY common.

1. CARDIAC: hypotension with rapid infusion, prolonged QT, torsades

2. NEUROLOGIC problems occur in 20-40%, including malaise, ataxia, and peripheral neuropathies

3. ENDOCRINE: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism

4. GI problems occur in 25%

5. OPHTHALMOLOGIC disturbances include optic neuropathy, papilledema, and photosensitivity

6. SKIN: blue grey pigmentation

7. PULMONARY: pulmonary fibrosis