Udrone400 mg

Indications

Dronedarone is used in adults with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (an irregular, often fast heartbeat that comes and goes) to help keep a normal heart rhythm after it has been restored, and to lower the risk of hospital stays for the condition. It is not used for permanent atrial fibrillation.

How It Works

Dronedarone is an antiarrhythmic medicine related to Amiodarone. It blocks several ion channels (potassium, sodium and calcium) and beta-adrenergic signals in the heart, which steadies the electrical activity of the heart and slows the heart rate.

Dosage and Administration

Adults: 400 mg twice a day, one tablet with the morning meal and one with the evening meal, or as prescribed. It is started and monitored by a doctor, usually a heart specialist. Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking it. Do not stop it without talking to your doctor.

Interactions

Dronedarone must not be used with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin and Ritonavir, or with medicines that prolong the QT interval, such as some antipsychotics, Erythromycin and Class I or III antiarrhythmics. It raises levels of Digoxin, Dabigatran, some statins (Simvastatin), Tacrolimus and Ciclosporin. Use with Warfarin needs close INR checks. Rifampicin, Carbamazepine and Phenytoin reduce its effect. Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers such as Verapamil and Diltiazem need care.

Contraindications

• Permanent atrial fibrillation.
• Severe or recently worsened heart failure, or heart failure with reduced pumping function.
• Liver or lung damage from previous Amiodarone use.
• Slow heart rate below 50 beats per minute, or certain heart block without a pacemaker.
• Long QT interval.
• Severe liver disease or severe kidney impairment.
• Pregnancy.

Side Effects

Common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, rash or itching, a slow heartbeat and a rise in blood creatinine (a kidney test).

Get urgent medical help for shortness of breath or swelling of the legs (signs of heart failure), yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or pain in the upper right abdomen (signs of liver injury), a new persistent cough or breathlessness (lung problems), fainting, or a very slow or irregular heartbeat.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Dronedarone must not be used in pregnancy because it may harm the unborn baby. Women who could become pregnant should use effective contraception. Do not breastfeed while taking it.

Precautions and Warnings

Liver function tests, kidney tests and ECGs are done before and during treatment. Potassium and magnesium levels should be normal before starting. If atrial fibrillation becomes permanent, the medicine should be stopped. Tell your doctor about all other medicines, including herbal ones such as St John's Wort.

Overdose

Overdose may cause a very slow heartbeat, heart rhythm problems and low blood pressure. Seek emergency medical help immediately and take the pack with you.

Therapeutic Class

Antiarrhythmic agent (multichannel blocker related to Amiodarone).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.