Multaq vs. Amiodarone for Atrial Fibrillation and Ventricular Arrhythmia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Multaq

(dronedarone)

Amiodarone

(Pacerone)

Summary for Multaq

Prescription only

Multaq (dronedarone) is an antiarrhythmic medication. It's used to lower the risk of hospitalization in adults with atrial fibrillation (AFib). Multaq (dronedarone) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth twice per day, preferably with food. Common side effects of this medication include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Multaq (dronedarone) is brand-name only and not available as a generic.

Indications for Multaq

To lower the risk of hospitalization from atrial fibrillation (AFib) in adults who have a history of paroxysmal or persistent AFib

Pros and Cons for Multaq

Pros

Lowers the risk of hospitalization from AFib
Prescribed in one standard dose; no dose adjustments needed
Taken by mouth

Cons

Not safe for use in heart failure, permanent AFib, or during pregnancy
Taken twice daily
Interacts with many medications and supplements

Common Side Effects for Multaq

Rise in creatinine levels (51%)
Abnormal heart rhythm (QTc prolongation) (28%)
Diarrhea (9%)
Weakness (7%)
Nausea (5%)
Skin reactions, including rash and itching (5%)

Warnings for Multaq

Not safe for people with severe heart failure or permanent atrial fibrillation
New or worsening heart failure
Liver damage
Lung damage
Low potassium and magnesium levels
Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm
Kidney damage or failure
Harm to unborn babies

Summary for Amiodarone

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Amiodarone

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)

Pros and Cons for Amiodarone

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)

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

Common Side Effects for Amiodarone

Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Poor appetite
Stomach pain
More sensitive to the sun
Feeling unwell
Fatigue
Tremor or abnormal movement
Poor coordination
Difficulty walking
Dizziness
Pins and needles sensation in the skin
Lower sex drive
Difficulty sleeping
Headache
Change in vision
Lung inflammation or scarring
Flushing
Change in taste or smell
Excess fluid under the skin (edema)
Abnormal saliva production
Abnormal blood clotting

Warnings for Amiodarone

Arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat)
Lung damage
Liver damage
Vision problems
Thyroid problems
Slow heartbeat
Effects on heart devices
Harm to unborn babies
Nerve problems

Prices with our coupons for Multaq vs. Amiodarone

Multaq60 tablets / 400mg

$797.90$1,032.85

Get free coupons

More Information

Amiodarone90 tablets / 200mg

$24.00$24.00

Get free coupons

More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Multaq vs. Amiodarone

Multaq

Amiodarone

Summary for Multaq

Indications for Multaq

Pros and Cons for Multaq

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Multaq

Warnings for Multaq

Summary for Amiodarone

Indications for Amiodarone

Pros and Cons for Amiodarone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Amiodarone

Warnings for Amiodarone

Prices with our coupons for Multaq vs. Amiodarone

Compare other Atrial Fibrillation and Ventricular Arrhythmia drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Multaq

Amiodarone

Summary for Multaq

Indications for Multaq

Pros and Cons for Multaq

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Multaq

Warnings for Multaq

Summary for Amiodarone

Indications for Amiodarone

Pros and Cons for Amiodarone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Amiodarone

Warnings for Amiodarone