Indications
Multaq (active ingredient: dronedarone) is a prescription medication indicated for:
- Atrial Fibrillation or Atrial Flutter: Multaq is used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter to reduce the risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular events and to maintain normal sinus rhythm.
Multaq belongs to a class of drugs known as antiarrhythmics, specifically a class III antiarrhythmic agent. It works by prolonging the cardiac action potential and refractory period, thereby stabilizing the heart's electrical activity and preventing irregular heart rhythms.
Uses and Dosage
Multaq is available in tablet form to be taken orally with food. You should take it twice daily, following your doctor's instructions. Typically, it is taken once with your morning meal and once with your evening meal. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
The recommended dosage of MULTAQ for adults is 400 mg twice a day, and it should be taken as one tablet in the morning with breakfast and one tablet in the evening with dinner. Do not stop taking dronedarone without asking your doctor first. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Multaq (Dronedarone):
- Abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Skin rash and/or itching
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Serious Side Effects of Multaq (Dronedarone):
- Anxiety
- Change in urine output
- Changes in kidney function blood tests
- Fainting
- Hair loss
- Inflammation of the lungs, including scarring and thickening
- Liver problems, including life-threatening liver failure
- Low blood levels of potassium and magnesium
- Low potassium and magnesium levels in your blood
- Severe dizziness
- Signs of lung problems (shortness of breath, dry cough)
- Slow heartbeat
- Slowed heartbeat (bradycardia)
- Weight gain
Dronedarone Can Cause Allergic Reactions Like
- Hives
- Itching
- Rashes
- Severe dizziness
- Swelling of the face and neck
- Trouble breathing
Form and Strength
Multaq (Dronedarone) is available in the following forms and strengths:
Multaq: Film-Coated Tablet
- 400 mg
Caution
- Grapefruit can increase the risk of side effects associated with this medication. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using Multaq unless your doctor or pharmacist advises you otherwise.
- If you recently experienced symptoms of heart failure that worsened and required hospitalization, or if you have severe heart failure, you should not take MULTAQ. Taking Dronedarone under these conditions may double your risk of dying. Therefore, consult your doctor about your medical condition before using MULTAQ.
- If heart failure develops or worsens, consider the suspension or discontinuation of MULTAQ.
- If you are currently experiencing atrial fibrillation and your doctor does not intend to return you to normal heart rhythm, you should not take MULTAQ. People with permanent atrial fibrillation who take MULTAQ have a greater chance of dying, suffering a stroke, or needing hospitalization due to heart failure.
- You should not take MULTAQ if you are allergic to dronedarone or any of the other ingredients in MULTAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is MULTAQ used for?
MULTAQ is an antiarrhythmic drug indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation.
What is the recommended dosage for MULTAQ in adults?
The only recommended dosage of MULTAQ is 400 mg twice daily in adults, to be taken with meals.
Can MULTAQ be taken with other medications or foods?
One should always ask their doctor or pharmacist whether MULTAQ interacts with any other food or medication before using it.
How long is Multaq effective?
The main measure of effectiveness was how long the treatment prevented an attack of atrial fibrillation or the change in the patient's heart rate after two weeks. Multaq prevented fibrillation for an average of 116 days compared to 53 days with a placebo.
How long does it take Multaq (dronedarone) to work?
Your body absorbs Multaq (dronedarone) within a few hours, but it takes 4 to 8 days of regular use for it to reach full levels ('steady state') in the body.
Resources
- https://www.multaq.com/
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/022425lbl.pdf
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7fa41601-7fb5-4155-8e50-2ae903f0d2d6
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-152656/multaq-oral/details
- https://www.rxlist.com/multaq-drug.htm
- https://www.goodrx.com/multaq/what-is
REVIEWS