Key takeaways
Multaq (dronedarone) and Tikosyn (dofetilide) are both antiarrhythmic medications used to manage atrial fibrillation (AFib), but they have some key differences. Multaq is only available as a brand-name medication and is taken twice daily with food to lower the risk of hospitalization from AFib. In contrast, Tikosyn is available in both brand-name and generic forms and is also taken twice daily, but it can be taken with or without food. Tikosyn requires a minimum 3-day stay in a healthcare facility when you first start it to ensure the dose is safe, while Multaq does not have this requirement. Multaq is not safe for use in people with severe heart failure or permanent AFib, whereas Tikosyn requires close monitoring due to its risk of causing serious arrhythmias. Additionally, Multaq has a higher risk of liver damage, while Tikosyn is less likely to cause this issue. Both medications interact with many other drugs and require careful management by your healthcare provider.
