Treatments for AF (Amiodarone)

If you suffer from any cardiovascular complication, you have most likely heard
your cardiologist mention a drug known as Amiodarone. As an compound that
contains iodine, and is rich in DEA, desethylamiodarone, which may alter your
cardiovascular complication risks significantly.

While only FDA approved in the treatment of arrhythmias, patients who suffer
from, or are at risk for, atrial fibrillation are also using Amiodarone as part
of their treatment protocol. The DEA compound found in Amiodarone is believed to
prevent arrhythmia, providing a method by which the QT interval can be
prolonged.

With so many cardiologist beginning to use Amiodarone, if you are a patient who
suffers from atrial fibrillation, it is important to discuss the use of this
drug as part of your treatment plan. Because, with atrial fibrillation, you may
be at risk for sudden death, Amiodarone may be the drug needed to prevent such
an occurrence.

As with all cardiovascular drugs, there are patients who suffer from atrial
fibrillation who should not use Amiodarone in treatment. Specifically, if you
are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, Amiodarone should be used with
extreme caution as it will cross the placental membrane and impact fetal growth
and development. It further crosses into breast milk and can impact the health
of children who are breast feeding as well.

Additionally, because the benefits of Amiodarone mimic that of thyroxine, its
use may not be appropriate in patients who suffer from co morbid thyroid
disorders.

While not FDA approved for use in atrial fibrillation patients, if your
cardiologist chooses to begin Amiodarone for your specific case of atrial
fibrillation, you will want to be sure dosing is in compliance with what has
historically worked. In most cases, dosing of Amiodarone is successful at 200
milligrams per day after an initial intravenous dose is given.

When you begin Amiodarone, in treating your atrial fibrillation, you may notice
complications of nausea, stomach pain and even constipation; these are normal
symptoms of this drug compound use.

As with any FDA approved drug, there are many uses of Amiodarone outside of what
the FDA has approved. While atrial fibrillation is one of those diagnoses not
currently approved for use, many cardiologists are choosing to use Amiodarone to
prevent sudden death in high risk patients.

If you suffer from any cardiovascular complication, it is important that you
remain educated and current on the latest advancing medical technologies and
treatments available to you. When treating for high risk and complex atrial
fibrillation, ask your cardiologist if the compound drug, Amiodarone, is a fit
for your treatment protocol.