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Multaq vs. Amiodarone

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.

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

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

• 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

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.

• 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)

• 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

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