Overview

Pacerone is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults with recurrent ventricular fibrillation or recurrent hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia. The prescribing label includes a warning that it should only be used by individuals with life-threatening arrhythmias. Pacerone is also known by its drug name, amiodarone hydrochloride.

Pacerone is an antiarrhythmic medicine. It works by helping control unusual electrical signals in the heart so dangerous fast heart rhythms happen less often.

How do I take it?

Prescribing information states that Pacerone is taken by mouth as an oral tablet. Treatment begins with a daily loading schedule until an initial response occurs, usually within one to three weeks, then the daily schedule is reduced for one month, followed by a maintenance schedule. The drug should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects

Common side effects of Pacerone leading to discontinuation include pulmonary toxicity, paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia, congestive heart failure, and elevation of liver enzymes.

Rare but serious side effects may include life-threatening lung toxicity, liver injury, worsened arrhythmias, corneal microdeposits, optic neuropathy (swelling of the optic nerve), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

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Label: Pacerone — Amiodarone Hydrochloride Tablet — DailyMed