Amiodarone Side Effects

Summary

Amiodarone is a medication that has a lot of side effects. It can cause liver damage and neuropathy. Amiodarone can affect the thyroid gland, causing either hypo or hyperthyroidism. Other side effects include pulmonary fibrosis, blue-gray skin discoloration, corneal deposits, and photosensitivity. Patients taking amiodarone should avoid grapefruit juice, as it increases the risk of experiencing these side effects.

Key Points

• Amiodarone
  • Side Effects
    • Pulmonary fibrosis
      • Damaged and scarred lung tissue
      • Before starting treatment, patients should receive a baseline chest x-ray and pulmonary function test
      • Report any respiratory symptoms to the provider (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, etc.)
    • Corneal deposits
      • The deposits may appear as cloudy or opaque areas on the cornea and can affect vision depending on their location and extent
    • Liver damage (hepatotoxicity)
      • Monitor liver function tests (LFTs) during treatment, including the lab levels AST and ALT
    • Thyroid damage
      • Can cause either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
      • Monitor thyroid function during treatment
    • Neuropathy
      • Tingling or numbness in the extremities
    • Photosensitivity
      • Wear sunscreen and protective clothing
      • Blue-gray skin discoloration
  • Nursing Considerations
    • Avoid grapefruit juice
      • Grapefruit juice interferes with how amiodarone is metabolized in the body
      • A buildup of amiodarone in the blood can lead to toxicity