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Amiodarone Coupon - Amiodarone 200mg tablet

amiodarone

Generic Pacerone
Used for Ventricular Arrhythmia
Used for Ventricular Arrhythmia

Amiodarone (Pacerone) is an antiarrhythmic medication. It's FDA-approved to treat life-threatening ventricular fibrillation and fast heart rate (tachycardia) in adults who either can't take it or whose condition isn't well-controlled by other antiarrhythmics. It's sometimes prescribed off-label for atrial fibrillation (AFib). Amiodarone (Pacerone) comes as tablets that are taken by mouth. The total daily dose can be taken once per day, or split into smaller doses and taken throughout the day to prevent stomach-related side effects, like nausea and vomiting.

Last reviewed on January 13, 2025
basics-icon

What is Amiodarone (Pacerone)?

What is Amiodarone (Pacerone) used for?

  • Life-threatening ventricular fibrillation that keeps coming back (when other antiarrhythmics haven't worked well)

  • Life-threatening tachycardia that keeps coming back (when other antiarrhythmics haven't worked)

How Amiodarone (Pacerone) works

Amiodarone (Pacerone) is a class III antiarrhythmic medication. It mainly works by blocking potassium channels in the heart. This slows down the electrical activity in the heart and stabilizes heart rhythm.

Are you looking for information on amiodarone (Nexterone) injection instead?
When does Amiodarone (Pacerone) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPacerone
Drug ClassAntiarrhythmic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Amiodarone (Pacerone) essentials

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Avg retail price
$35.19(save 74.43%)
GoodRx discount
$9.00
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What are the side effects of Amiodarone (Pacerone)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

  • Blue skin color
  • Rash
  • Skin redness due to mild bleeding
  • Loss of hair
  • Low blood pressure
  • Abnormal heart rhythm

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart problems: chest discomfort, dizziness, fainting, slow heart rate
  • Lung damage: cough, trouble breathing, chest pain or tightness, wheezing, fever
  • Liver damage: fever, chills, tiredness, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, swollen belly, clay-colored stool, itchy skin, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
When do Amiodarone (Pacerone) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Nausea / vomiting
Constipation
Poor appetite
Sun sensitivity
Risk of vision loss
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Cough

dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

fever (slight)

numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes

painful breathing

sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

trembling or shaking of the hands

trouble with walking

unusual and uncontrolled movements of the body

weakness of the arms or legs

Less common

Blue-gray coloring of the skin on the face, neck, and arms

blurred vision or blue-green halos seen around objects

coldness

dry eyes

dry, puffy skin

fast or irregular heartbeat

nervousness

pain and swelling in the scrotum

sensitivity of the eyes to light

sensitivity to heat

slow heartbeat

sweating

swelling of the feet or lower legs

trouble with sleeping

unusual tiredness

weight gain or loss

Rare

Skin rash

yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Agitation

back, leg, or stomach pains

bleeding gums

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloating

blood in the urine

bloody, black, or tarry stools

blue lips, fingernails, or skin

blurred or double vision

chest pain

chills

clay-colored stools

confusion

confusion as to time, place, or person

coughing or spitting up blood

cracks in the skin

dark urine

decreased awareness or responsiveness

decreased urine output

depression

diarrhea

difficult or labored breathing

difficult urination

dry cough

eye pain

fast heartbeat

general body swelling

high fever

holding false beliefs that cannot be change by facts

hostility

inability to have or keep an erection

indigestion

irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing

irritability

itching

joint or muscle pain

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

loss of consciousness

loss of heat from the body

lower back or side pain

mood or mental change

muscle cramps, spasms, twitching, pain, or stiffness

no breathing

noisy breathing

nosebleeds

pain in the abdomen, groin, or scrotum

pain or burning with urination

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

rapid weight gain

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

red, swollen skin

scaly skin

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

seizures

severe headache

severe sleepiness

sneezing

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in mouth

stomach pain

swelling of the face, ankles, or hands

swelling of the scrotum

swollen or painful glands

tightness in the chest

troubled breathing

unpleasant breath odor

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness or feeling of sluggishness

unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness

vomiting of blood

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Constipation

headache

loss of appetite

nausea

vomiting

Less common

Bitter or metallic taste

decrease in sexual interest

decreased sexual ability in males

feeling of warmth

redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Amiodarone (Pacerone)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to treat certain heart rate and rhythm problems

Can be taken with or without food

Can be taken once daily (as long as you're tolerating the medication and the total daily dose is less than 1,000 mg)

thumbs-down

Cons

Stays in the body for many weeks

Not for people with iodine allergy

Only available as a 200 mg tablet, so you might need to take several tablets depending on your dose

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Amiodarone (Pacerone)

pharmacist
  • Your cardiologist will likely order blood work or other tests before you start and while you're taking amiodarone (Pacerone). These include electrocardiogram (ECG), liver enzyme levels, and thyroid function tests. These tests help your cardiologist see how well amiodarone (Pacerone) is working and if it's causing serious side effects.

    • When you're starting oral amiodarone (Pacerone), your cardiologist will prescribe a higher dose for several weeks for the medication to build up in your body. Let your healthcare team know if you're experiencing any side effects during this time, like nausea or vomiting. If so, they might lower your dose of amiodarone (Pacerone) or split your total daily dose into smaller doses to take throughout the day.

      • Amiodarone (Pacerone) can cause skin sensitivity to the sun. To protect your skin, make sure to wear sunscreen when going outside, wear long-sleeve clothing, and limit exposure to sunlight.

        • If you and your cardiologist decide to stop amiodarone (Pacerone), this medication can still last in the body for many weeks. This means that you're still at risk for side effects and medication interactions for weeks after your dose.

          • Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking amiodarone (Pacerone) because it can raise the amount of the medication in your body, which raises your risk of side effects.

            • Amiodarone (Pacerone) can interact with many medications. For example, it can raise the risk of bleeding if you take it with warfarin (Coumadin). It can also raise the risk of dangerously slow heart rate if you take it with antiviral medications containing sofosbuvir. Tell your care team about all the medications you're taking before you start amiodarone (Pacerone) so they can help you check for interactions.

              • Don't take amiodarone (Pacerone) during pregnancy because it can cause harm to growing babies. Let your healthcare team know if you're pregnant or want to become pregnant and they can let you know about safer treatment options.

                • You're recommended to avoid breastfeeding while you're taking amiodarone (Pacerone) because this medication can pass into breastmilk and might harm a nursing infant. If you're nursing, your healthcare team might recommend using baby formula instead.

                  • Because amiodarone (Pacerone) stays in your system for several weeks after your last dose, check with your cardiologist or obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) when it's safe to breastfeed after stopping the medication.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Amiodarone (Pacerone)

                    How long does it take for amiodarone (Pacerone) to work?
                    If you're taking oral amiodarone (Pacerone), it can take several weeks for the medication to stabilize your heart rhythm. Your cardiologist will prescribe a higher loading dose for 1-3 weeks for the medication to build up in your system. Once your heart rhythm becomes stable, they'll ask you to continue treatment at a lower maintenance dose.
                    Is amiodarone (Pacerone) a beta blocker?
                    Amiodarone (Pacerone) is a class III antiarrhythmic, not a beta blocker. Both amiodarone (Pacerone) and beta blockers can help with arrhythmia and lower heart rate, but they do so in different ways. Talk with your cardiologist if you have more questions about how amiodarone (Pacerone) works.
                    Can you take amiodarone (Pacerone) for atrial fibrillation (AFib)?
                    Amiodarone (Pacerone) isn't FDA-approved for atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of heart rhythm problem. But it's sometimes prescribed off-label for this condition because studies suggest it works well for this condition. The typical maintenance dose for AFib ranges from amiodarone (Pacerone) 100 mg to 200 mg by mouth once daily. Talk with your healthcare team if you have more questions on amiodarone (Pacerone) and AFib.
                    Does amiodarone (Pacerone) lower heart rate?
                    Amiodarone (Pacerone) can lower heart rate because it slows the electrical activity of the heart. This medication is FDA-approved to treat fast heart rate (tachycardia). But sometimes, it can cause your heart rate to become too slow (bradycardia). Let your cardiologist know if you notice symptoms of very slow heart rate, like dizziness, tiredness, or chest pain.
                    Does amiodarone (Pacerone) lower blood pressure?
                    Low blood pressure isn't a common side effect of amiodarone (Pacerone). But some people might experience low blood pressure if their dose is too high. Let your healthcare team know if you notice symptoms like lightheadedness, dizziness, or feeling like you're about to be faint. They can check your blood pressure (or you can check it at home if you have a blood pressure monitor) and let you know if you need more medical attention.
                    What are the serious side effects of amiodarone (Pacerone)?
                    Amiodarone (Pacerone) can cause some rare but serious side effects. For example, it can cause lung toxicity and trigger symptoms like coughing or trouble breathing. This medication can also cause liver problems, especially when taken with other medications that damage the liver. To lower the risk of these serious side effects, your cardiologist will prescribe the lowest dose of amiodarone (Pacerone) needed to treat your symptoms. Before you start treatment, they'll order tests to check your lungs, liver, heart, and other parts of the body. They'll also monitor you closely throughout treatment to see if you're having symptoms of any serious side effect. If needed, they might lower your dose of amiodarone (Pacerone) or ask you to stop taking this medication.
                    Can you drink alcohol while you're taking amiodarone (Pacerone)?
                    It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking amiodarone (Pacerone) because doing so can worsen certain side effects like nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and dizziness. In addition, doing so can raise your risk of liver damage, which is a serious side effect of amiodarone (Pacerone). Finally, drinking too much alcohol can also raise the risk of atrial fibrillation, a serious heart rhythm problem. Talk with your healthcare team if you have more questions about how drinking alcohol might affect amiodarone (Pacerone) and your health.
                    Can amiodarone (Pacerone) be crushed?
                    It's not clear if it's safe to crush amiodarone (Pacerone) tablets because the manufacturer doesn't say. But if your amiodarone (Pacerone) tablet is scored (a line down the middle), this means you can cut it in half down the center. Talk with your healthcare team if you have more questions about how to take your medication.
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                    warings-icon

                    What are the risks and warnings for Amiodarone (Pacerone)?

                    Amiodarone (Pacerone) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat)

                    • Risk factors: Low levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium | Taking medications that affect electrolyte levels, including diuretics (water pills), laxatives (for constipation), or corticosteroids | Diarrhea that lasts a long time

                      Rarely, amiodarone (Pacerone) can cause or worsen arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat), which can be life-threatening. You should only take this medication if you have a serious heart condition, and if you're able to follow-up with your cardiologist regularly to monitor your heart health. To lower your risk of serious heart rhythm problems, your care team will check that your electrolyte levels are balanced before you start this medication. They might also order an electrocardiogram (ECG) (test of your heart's electrical activity) on a regular basis to make sure the amiodarone (Pacerone) is working as it should. If you ever experience chest discomfort, dizziness, fainting, or fast heartbeat while you are taking amiodarone (Pacerone), get medical help right away.

                      risk-warning

                      Lung damage

                      Amiodarone (Pacerone) can cause inflammation in the lungs that leads to serious damage. This can be life-threatening. You'll likely get a chest x-ray before you start this medication, then every 3 to 6 months. Seek medical help immediately if you experience a cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness that doesn't go away or gets worse with time. You might need to be treated with oral steroids.

                      risk-warning

                      Liver damage

                      Though rare, amiodarone (Pacerone) can cause liver damage, which can be life-threatening. Your prescriber will check your liver enzyme level before and during treatment to make sure your liver is healthy. If your liver enzyme level is too high, your cardiologist might lower your dose or ask you to stop taking amiodarone (Pacerone). Let your care team know if you're taking other medications that can damage your liver. If you notice severe nausea, vomiting, right-sided stomach pain, fatigue, low or no appetite, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, get medical help right away.

                      risk-warning

                      Vision problems

                      Though rare, amiodarone (Pacerone) can cause serious vision problems, including permanent blindness. This side effect has been reported as early as 10 days after starting this medication. You should get regular eye exams while you are on amiodarone (Pacerone). Call your optometrist (eye specialist) right away if you notice a change in your vision, including blurriness, trouble seeing things to the side, or halos.

                      risk-warning

                      Thyroid problems

                      • Risk factors: History of thyroid problems, including nodules or goiter

                        Amiodarone (Pacerone) can affect your thyroid hormone levels and cause either low or high hormone levels. High thyroid levels (hyperthyroidism) can cause an arrhythmia, which can be dangerous. Your prescriber will check your thyroid function tests regularly throughout treatment with amiodarone (Pacerone).

                        risk-warning

                        Slow heartbeat

                        • Risk factors: Abnormal electrolyte levels | Taking other medications that slow the heartbeat | Taking certain hepatitis C medications

                          Amiodarone (Pacerone) can cause your heartbeat to become too slow or even have unusual pauses. In some rare cases, people have needed a pacemaker to keep their heart beating normally. Taking certain medications at the same time, including some hepatitis C antivirals (e.g., sofosbuvir, Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir)) might raise the risk of this side effect. If you experience symptoms of slow heart rate, such as dizziness or feeling like you're going to pass out, get medical help right away.

                          risk-warning

                          Effects on heart devices

                          • Risk factors: Have a heart device like a pacemaker

                            Taking amiodarone (Pacerone) long-term can affect the function of heart devices like defibrillators or pacemakers. Make sure that you get regular checkups to make sure your device is adjusted appropriately while you're taking amiodarone (Pacerone).

                            risk-warning

                            Harm to unborn babies

                            Amiodarone (Pacerone) can cause harm to unborn babies if taken by mothers during pregnancy. If you're able to become pregnant, your healthcare team might ask you to take a pregnancy test to confirm you're not pregnant before you can start amiodarone (Pacerone). You're recommended to use effective birth control during treatment with amiodarone (Pacerone).

                            risk-warning

                            Nerve problems

                            Taking amiodarone (Pacerone) can cause nerve problems (neuropathy), such as tingling, numbness, and pain in your legs and feet. There's a risk that neuropathy won't go away after you stop taking amiodarone (Pacerone). Tell your prescriber if you notice these symptoms.

                            dosage

                            Amiodarone (Pacerone) dosage forms

                            The average cost for 30 tablets of 200mg of Amiodarone (Pacerone) is $9.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 74.43% off the average retail price of $35.19.
                            tablet
                            Tablet
                            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                            100mg30 tablets$24.00$0.80
                            200mg30 tablets$9.00$0.30
                            400mg30 tablets$27.34$0.91

                            Typical dosing for Amiodarone (Pacerone)

                            Adults:

                            • Loading dose: The typical starting dose ranges from 800 mg to 1,600 mg by mouth daily for 1 to 3 weeks. Once your heart rhythm becomes stable (or if the side effects become too bothersome), your cardiology team will lower the dose to 600 mg to 800 mg daily for a month.

                            • Maintenance dose: The typical maintenance dose is 400 mg by mouth daily.

                            interactions

                            Interactions between Amiodarone (Pacerone) and other drugs

                            Amiodarone (Pacerone) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Amiodarone (Pacerone). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                            drug-cost

                            How much does Amiodarone (Pacerone) cost?

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                            contraindications-icon

                            Amiodarone (Pacerone) contraindications

                            Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Amiodarone (Pacerone) will not be safe for you to take.
                            alternatives

                            What are alternatives to Amiodarone (Pacerone)?

                            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Amiodarone (Pacerone). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                            Amiodarone (Pacerone)
                            Used for:
                            • Life-threatening ventricular fibrillation that keeps coming back (when other antiarrhythmics haven't worked well)

                            • Life-threatening tachycardia that keeps coming back (when other antiarrhythmics haven't worked)

                            $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            Used for:
                            $66.01 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            Used for:
                            $44.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            latest news

                            What is the latest news about Amiodarone (Pacerone)?

                            images

                            Amiodarone (Pacerone) images

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                            References

                            Best studies we found

                            American Heart Association. (2024). Medications for arrhythmia.

                            American Heart Association. (2024). Tachycardia: Fast heart rate.

                            American Heart Association. (2024). Ventricular fibrillation.

                            View All References (8)

                            Aurobindo Pharma Limited. (2024). Amiodarone hydrochloride tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                            Chokesuwattanaskul, R., et al. (2020). Low-dose amiodarone is safe: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Innovations in Cardiac Rhythm Management.

                            Connolly, S. J., et al. (1999). Evidence-based analysis of amiodarone efficacy and safety. Circulation.

                            Florek, J. B., et al. (2023). Amiodarone. StatPearls.

                            Harris, L., et al. (1983). Side effects of long-term amiodarone therapy. Circulation.

                            Hilleman, D., et al. (2012). Optimal management of amiodarone therapy: Efficacy and side effects. Pharmacotherapy.

                            MedlinePlus. (2024). Sick sinus syndrome.

                            National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). What is cardiogenic shock?

                            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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