Skip to main content

Cordarone (Amiodarone) Shopper Approved

Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: Tablet

Cordarone

(Brand Option)

Select the prescribed dosage

Select the quantity to see the price.

  *  
Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: Tablet

Amiodarone

(Generic Alternative)

Select the prescribed dosage

Select the quantity to see the price.

  *  
delivery

* This price includes a dispensing fee, medical review fee, and packing fee.

delivery

Shipped and delivered directly to your doorstep

Cordarone (active ingredient: amiodarone hydrochloride) is a prescription antiarrhythmic medication used to treat certain serious and potentially life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms.

Because amiodarone can cause significant side effects involving the lungs, liver, heart, thyroid, eyes, and other organs, it is generally reserved for people with serious ventricular arrhythmias when other treatments have not worked or cannot be used.

What Is an Arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm.

Normally, electrical signals travel through the heart in an organized pattern and control how fast and regularly the heart beats. When these signals become abnormal, the heart may beat:

  • Too quickly
  • Too slowly
  • Irregularly
  • In a dangerous, disorganized pattern

Some arrhythmias cause few symptoms, while others can interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood and may become life-threatening.

What Is Cordarone Used For?

Recurrent Ventricular Fibrillation

Cordarone is used to treat recurrent ventricular fibrillation when appropriate.

Ventricular fibrillation occurs when the lower chambers of the heart, called the ventricles, produce extremely rapid and disorganized electrical activity.

Instead of pumping blood normally, the ventricles quiver. This prevents enough blood from reaching the brain and other organs.

Ventricular fibrillation is a medical emergency and can lead to cardiac arrest if normal heart rhythm is not restored quickly.

Recurrent Hemodynamically Unstable Ventricular Tachycardia

Cordarone is also indicated for recurrent hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia.

Ventricular tachycardia occurs when abnormal electrical signals cause the ventricles to beat very quickly.

When the rhythm is hemodynamically unstable, the heart may not pump enough blood to the body. This can cause symptoms such as:

  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Weakness
  • Chest discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Very low blood pressure

Severe ventricular tachycardia can also progress to ventricular fibrillation.

Why Is Cordarone Usually Reserved for Serious Arrhythmias?

Amiodarone is a powerful antiarrhythmic medication, but it can also cause serious and sometimes life-threatening adverse effects.

Its prescribing information carries warnings for pulmonary toxicity, liver toxicity, and worsening heart rhythm problems. For this reason, oral amiodarone is generally reserved for the indicated life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias when alternative treatments have failed or are not tolerated.

Treatment should be started and monitored by a healthcare provider experienced in managing serious heart rhythm disorders.

How Cordarone Works

Cordarone is primarily classified as a Class III antiarrhythmic medication.

It affects the electrical signals that control each heartbeat and helps make abnormal electrical activity less likely to continue.

Prolongs Electrical Recovery

After a heart cell produces an electrical signal, it needs time to recover before it can respond to another signal.

Amiodarone prolongs this recovery phase, known as the action potential duration.

This makes it more difficult for abnormal electrical impulses to repeatedly trigger rapid heartbeats.

Extends the Refractory Period

Cordarone also increases the refractory period, which is the time during which heart cells are less able to respond to another electrical impulse.

A longer refractory period can help interrupt abnormal electrical circuits that contribute to dangerous arrhythmias.

Blocks Potassium Channels

One of amiodarone’s main actions is blocking potassium channels in heart cells.

Potassium movement is important for the electrical recovery of the heart after each beat. By slowing this process, amiodarone helps stabilize electrical activity.

Has Several Other Effects on the Heart

Although Cordarone is primarily considered a Class III antiarrhythmic, amiodarone also has properties associated with several other antiarrhythmic classes.

Its effects include:

  • Sodium-channel blocking activity
  • Beta-blocking activity
  • Calcium-channel blocking activity
  • Potassium-channel blocking activity

These combined actions affect heart rate, electrical conduction, and the ability of abnormal electrical signals to spread through heart tissue.

How Cordarone Helps Control Ventricular Arrhythmias

Dangerous ventricular arrhythmias can occur when abnormal electrical signals begin in the lower chambers of the heart and repeatedly travel through heart tissue.

Cordarone changes how quickly electrical impulses travel and how quickly heart cells can respond to another impulse.

These effects can help:

  • Stabilize the heart’s electrical activity
  • Slow abnormal electrical conduction
  • Reduce repeated episodes of dangerous ventricular rhythms
  • Make abnormal electrical circuits less likely to continue

Cordarone Can Also Worsen an Arrhythmia

Although Cordarone is used to control dangerous heart rhythms, it can occasionally cause new arrhythmias or make an existing rhythm problem worse.

Amiodarone has been associated with worsening ventricular arrhythmias and, less commonly, abnormal rhythms related to QT prolongation.

This is one reason close medical monitoring is important.

What to Expect During Treatment

Oral amiodarone does not always produce its full effect immediately.

Because the medication builds up slowly in the body’s tissues, treatment often begins with a higher loading dose before the dose is reduced to a maintenance level.

The exact dose and treatment schedule depend on the type and severity of the arrhythmia and how the person responds.

Regular Monitoring Is Important

Because amiodarone can affect several organs, your healthcare provider may perform tests before treatment and periodically afterward.

Monitoring may include:

  • Electrocardiograms (ECGs)
  • Chest X-rays
  • Lung function testing
  • Liver function tests
  • Thyroid function tests
  • Blood electrolyte tests
  • Eye examinations when appropriate

Current prescribing information recommends evaluating lung, thyroid, and liver function and correcting abnormal potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels before treatment when appropriate.

Cordarone Stays in the Body for a Long Time

Amiodarone remains in the body’s tissues for a long period.

Because of this, its effects can continue after a dose is changed or even after treatment is stopped. Some adverse effects may also continue or appear after the medication has been discontinued.

This long-lasting action is one reason dose changes should be made carefully under medical supervision.

Cordarone Controls Arrhythmias but Does Not Cure the Cause

Cordarone can help suppress serious abnormal heart rhythms, but it does not necessarily correct the underlying heart disease or condition that caused the arrhythmia.

Other treatments may still be needed depending on the cause of the rhythm problem.

Important Treatment Reminder

Take Cordarone exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Do not increase, decrease, or suddenly stop the medication on your own. Because Cordarone is used for potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorders and can itself cause serious adverse effects, regular follow-up and monitoring are an important part of treatment.

Cordarone comes as a tablet that is taken by mouth. The dose is usually higher when treatment first begins and is then reduced once the abnormal heart rhythm is under better control.

Because Cordarone is used for serious heart rhythm problems and can remain in the body for a long time, the dose must be carefully adjusted by your healthcare provider.

Take Cordarone Exactly as Prescribed

Take Cordarone on the schedule provided by your healthcare provider.

Do not take more or less than prescribed, and do not change how often you take it on your own.

Your dose may depend on:

  • The type of abnormal heart rhythm you have
  • How severe the arrhythmia is
  • How well you respond to treatment
  • Whether you develop side effects
  • Other medical conditions you have

Take With or Without Food

Cordarone may be taken with or without food.

However, you should take it consistently in relation to meals. For example, if you usually take Cordarone with food, continue taking it with food each time.

Food can affect how much amiodarone your body absorbs, so taking it the same way each day helps keep treatment more consistent.

Swallow the Tablet With Water

Take Cordarone with a glass of water.

Follow the instructions provided for your specific tablet. Do not crush or alter the tablet unless your healthcare provider or pharmacist confirms that it is appropriate.

Why a Loading Dose Is Used

Amiodarone builds up slowly in the body’s tissues.

For this reason, treatment usually begins with a higher amount called a loading dose. The loading dose helps enough medication build up in the body to begin controlling the abnormal heart rhythm.

Once the arrhythmia is under better control, the dose is gradually reduced.

Initial Loading Dose

A common starting regimen is 800 to 1,600 mg per day.

This amount may be divided into smaller doses throughout the day, especially during the early stage of treatment.

The initial loading period commonly lasts about 1 to 3 weeks, although the exact length depends on how quickly your heart rhythm responds and whether side effects occur.

Your healthcare provider will decide when it is appropriate to lower the dose.

Second Stage of Treatment

Once an adequate response is achieved, the daily dose is often reduced to approximately 600 to 800 mg per day.

This stage may continue for about one month.

The goal is to maintain control of the arrhythmia while gradually reducing the amount of medication your body receives.

Maintenance Dose

After the loading period, the dose is usually reduced again to a maintenance dose.

A common maintenance dose is approximately 400 mg per day.

Some people may need a lower dose, while others may require a different schedule. Your healthcare provider will aim to use the lowest dose that effectively controls your heart rhythm.

Your Dose May Change During Treatment

Cordarone dosing is highly individualized.

Your healthcare provider may change your dose if:

  • Your arrhythmia improves
  • Your abnormal rhythm returns
  • You develop side effects
  • Your heart rate becomes too slow
  • Your ECG changes
  • You develop thyroid, liver, lung, or other medical problems

Do not make these adjustments yourself.

Take Cordarone at Regular Times

Try to take Cordarone at approximately the same time each day.

If you are prescribed more than one dose per day, follow the timing schedule provided by your healthcare provider.

A consistent schedule can help you remember your medication and keep treatment as steady as possible.

If You Miss a Dose

If you miss a dose, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

In general, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule.

Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Because amiodarone stays in the body for a long time, taking an extra dose may increase the risk of side effects.

Do Not Stop Cordarone on Your Own

Do not suddenly stop taking Cordarone without speaking with your healthcare provider.

Cordarone is used to control serious and potentially life-threatening heart rhythm problems. Stopping treatment may allow the arrhythmia to return.

Your healthcare provider will determine whether the medication should be reduced, changed, or stopped.

Cordarone Stays in the Body for a Long Time

Amiodarone has a very long half-life and can remain in the body’s tissues for weeks or even months.

This means that dose changes do not always produce immediate changes in the amount of medication in your body.

It also means that some effects or side effects can continue for a period after Cordarone is stopped.

Avoid Grapefruit

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the amount of amiodarone in your bloodstream.

This may increase the risk of side effects.

Avoid grapefruit products while taking Cordarone unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you otherwise.

Limit Sun Exposure

Amiodarone can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Try to limit unnecessary sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen when outdoors.

Long-term treatment may also cause a blue-gray discoloration of sun-exposed skin in some people.

Regular Heart Monitoring

Your healthcare provider may perform electrocardiograms (ECGs) before and during treatment.

These tests help monitor:

  • Heart rhythm
  • Heart rate
  • Electrical conduction
  • QT interval
  • Response to treatment

Your dose may be adjusted based on these results.

Lung Monitoring

Cordarone can cause serious lung problems in some people.

Your healthcare provider may recommend chest imaging and lung function testing before treatment and during therapy when needed.

Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you develop:

  • A new or worsening cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest discomfort
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Unexplained fever

Thyroid Monitoring

Amiodarone contains iodine and can affect thyroid function.

It may cause either an underactive thyroid or an overactive thyroid.

Your healthcare provider may order thyroid blood tests before and during treatment.

Report symptoms such as unexplained weight changes, unusual tiredness, sweating, tremor, sensitivity to heat or cold, or changes in heart rate.

Liver Monitoring

Cordarone can affect liver function.

Your healthcare provider may order liver blood tests before treatment and periodically afterward.

Contact your healthcare provider if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe nausea, unusual tiredness, or abdominal pain.

Eye Monitoring

Amiodarone can cause deposits in the cornea and, more rarely, serious vision problems.

Tell your healthcare provider if you develop blurred vision, reduced vision, visual halos, or other noticeable changes in eyesight.

Medication Interactions

Cordarone interacts with many other medications.

Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements you take.

Important interactions may occur with certain:

  • Blood thinners
  • Heart rhythm medicines
  • Digoxin
  • Beta-blockers
  • Calcium-channel blockers
  • Cholesterol medicines
  • Antibiotics
  • Antifungal medicines

Your healthcare provider may need to adjust doses or monitor you more closely.

Important Treatment Reminder

Cordarone treatment often starts with a loading dose of 800 to 1,600 mg per day, followed by 600 to 800 mg per day, and then a maintenance dose that is commonly around 400 mg per day.

These are general dosing patterns, not a schedule to follow on your own. Your healthcare provider will determine the safest dose based on your heart rhythm, response to treatment, and side effects.

Common Side Effects of Cordarone (Amiodarone):

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness or fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Shaking or tremors
  • Constipation
  • Trouble sleeping or insomnia

Serious Side Effects of Cordarone (Amiodarone):

  • Bleeding or easy bruising
  • Skin blisters
  • Feeling of numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
  • Loss of coordination
  • Vision problems
  • Uncontrolled movements
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Severe dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid
  • Symptoms of heart failure (sudden weight gain, unusual tiredness, swelling of the ankles and feet, shortness of breath)

Cordarone (Amiodarone) is available in the following forms and strengths:

Cordarone: Tablet

  • 100 mg
  • 200 mg

Amiodarone: Tablet

  • 100 mg
  • 200 mg

Pregnancy

Cordarone may harm an unborn baby and should generally be avoided during pregnancy unless your healthcare provider determines that treatment is necessary.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant. Do not stop Cordarone on your own, especially when it is being used to control a serious heart rhythm problem.

Breastfeeding

Amiodarone and its active metabolite can pass into breast milk.

Because of the potential for serious effects in a nursing infant, breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment. Discuss feeding options with your healthcare provider.

Serious Lung Problems

Cordarone can cause serious lung toxicity, which may sometimes be life-threatening.

Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you develop a new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, chest discomfort, or other breathing problems.

Liver Problems

Cordarone may cause liver injury, including rare cases of severe or life-threatening liver damage.

Your healthcare provider may order liver blood tests before and during treatment. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop unusual tiredness, nausea, dark urine, abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Heart Rhythm Problems

Although Cordarone is used to control serious arrhythmias, it can sometimes cause a new abnormal heart rhythm or make an existing rhythm problem worse.

Regular heart monitoring, including ECG testing, may be needed during treatment. Seek medical attention if you develop fainting, severe dizziness, new palpitations, or a very slow or irregular heartbeat.

Thyroid Problems

Cordarone can affect thyroid function and may cause either an underactive or overactive thyroid.

Your healthcare provider may check your thyroid function before and during treatment. Report symptoms such as unexplained weight changes, unusual tiredness, tremor, sweating, sensitivity to heat or cold, or changes in heart rate.

Medication Interactions

Cordarone can interact with many prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. Important interactions can occur with certain blood thinners, heart rhythm medicines, antibiotics, antifungal medicines, antidepressants, digoxin, and other medications.

Some interactions can increase medication levels or raise the risk of serious heart rhythm problems or other side effects.

Blood Thinners and Heart Medicines

Cordarone may increase the effects of certain blood thinners and may also interact with medicines that affect heart rate or rhythm.

Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dose or monitor you more closely when these medicines are used together.

Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Cordarone.

Grapefruit can increase amiodarone levels in the bloodstream, which may increase the risk of side effects.

Heart Failure

Cordarone may be used in some people who also have heart failure, but treatment must be individualized.

Your healthcare provider will consider your heart function, heart rhythm, other medical conditions, and medications before deciding whether Cordarone is appropriate. Close monitoring may be required.

Sun Sensitivity

Cordarone can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Limit prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when outdoors.

Regular Monitoring

Regular medical follow-up is important while taking Cordarone because the medication can affect several organs.

Your healthcare provider may monitor your heart rhythm, lungs, liver, thyroid, and eyes during treatment. Keep all scheduled appointments and laboratory tests.

Can Cordarone be used in older adults?

Yes. Cordarone may be prescribed to older adults when it is appropriate for their heart condition. Older adults may be more sensitive to certain effects of amiodarone and may also have other medical conditions or take medicines that interact with it. Your healthcare provider will consider your overall health and monitor you closely during treatment.

What should I avoid while taking Cordarone?

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Cordarone. Grapefruit can increase the amount of amiodarone in your bloodstream and raise the risk of side effects. You should also check with your healthcare provider before starting any new prescription medicine, over-the-counter product, vitamin, or supplement because Cordarone can interact with many medications.

Can Cordarone be taken on an empty stomach?

Yes. Cordarone can be taken with or without food. However, take it the same way each time because food can affect how much amiodarone your body absorbs. For example, if you usually take Cordarone with food, continue taking it with food consistently.

When should Cordarone be stopped?

Do not stop Cordarone on your own. Your healthcare provider will decide whether the dose should be reduced or treatment should be stopped based on your heart rhythm, laboratory results, and side effects. If liver enzyme levels rise to more than three times the normal level, the prescribing information recommends considering a dose reduction or stopping amiodarone. If you already had elevated liver enzymes before treatment, a doubling of those levels may also require treatment adjustment. However, your healthcare provider must balance this against the risk of a life-threatening arrhythmia returning.

REVIEWS

Additional Information Book
Generic name:

Amiodarone

Formulation:

Tablet

Strength(s):

100mg, 200mg

Quantities Available:

84, 90, 100, 168

Why customers love Online Pharmacies Canada

Our online Canadian Pharmacy is known for high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency when it comes to medications.

Our pharmacy offers lower prices on prescription drugs compared to traditional pharmacies.

How to Order

How much Cordarone can I order at once from a Canadian pharmacy?

When ordering Cordarone (amiodarone) from a Canadian pharmacy, you can typically purchase up to a 90-day supply at one time, which is standard for prescription medications to ensure effective management of chronic conditions without frequent refills.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dosage and Quantity: Cordarone is available in dosages of 100 mg and 200 mg tablets. Depending on your prescribed daily dosage, which may range from 100 mg to 400 mg per day, you would order the corresponding quantity. For example, if prescribed 200 mg per day, then for a 90-day supply you would order 90 tablets (90 days x 1 tablet per day).

Do you sell amiodarone?

Yes, we sell amiodarone on our website at competitive prices. To purchase this medication, you will need a valid prescription from your healthcare provider. We require a prescription to ensure safe and proper dispensing of the medication. You can conveniently provide your prescription by mailing, faxing, or uploading it through your online account on our website.

Do you offer shipping of Cordarone (amiodarone) to the United States?

Yes, we ship Cordarone (amiodarone) to both the United States and Puerto Rico.

Discover Our Users' Stories!

Watch how Online Pharmacies Canada is helping customers save money on their medications.

Online Pharmacies Canada Customer Testimonial #4
Online Pharmacies Canada Customer Testimonial #1
Online Pharmacies Canada - Customer Testimonial #2

Online Pharmacies Canada has provided information from third parties intended to increase awareness and does not contain all the information about Cordarone (Amiodarone). Talk to your doctor or other qualified medical practitioners for medical attention or advice, or if you have any concerns about Cordarone (Amiodarone).