8 Multaq (Dronedarone) Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Multaq (dronedarone) is a medication that treats atrial fibrillation (AFib) — a type of irregular heartbeat. People taking Multaq generally tolerate it well. But knowing about potential side effects can help protect you while you’re taking it. 

Here’s what you should know about Multaq side effects.

Multaq side effects at a glance

Mild — but usually only temporary — side effects are common with Multaq, especially when you first start taking it. While less common, serious side effects can also happen. Below are lists of common and rare Mutaq side effects to be aware of.

Common Multaq side effects include:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea and vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Dyspepsia (upset stomach)

• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)

• Skin rash or itchy skin

• Asthenia (feeling weaker than usual)

Less common and potentially serious Multaq side effects and reactions may include:

• QT prolongation (a type of irregular heartbeat)

• New or worsening heart failure

• Liver problems

• Lung problems

• Kidney problems

• Vasculitis (a painful rash caused by inflamed blood vessels)

• Severe allergic reactions

• Harm to fetus if taken during pregnancy

Multaq also has a boxed warning, the FDA’s most serious medication warning. It warns of an increased risk of heart failure, stroke, and death if you’re living with decompensated heart failure or permanent AFib and take Multaq. For this reason, you shouldn’t take Multaq if you’re living with these health conditions.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at eight Multaq side effects, how you can manage them, and when to contact your prescriber.

1. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common side effect of many medications, including Multaq. If you’re experiencing diarrhea, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. It often improves on its own as your body adjusts to taking Multaq.

Dietary changes may help improve diarrhea. Choose bland foods, such as bananas, rice, or broth-based soups. Avoid foods that are spicy or fried. Dairy can also worsen diarrhea. But if diarrhea lasts for more than a few days, reach out to your healthcare team for guidance.

If diarrhea is interfering with your daily activities, your healthcare team may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) remedy such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). But don’t take loperamide (Imodium A-D) unless your prescriber specifically tells you to. Combining this anti-diarrheal medication with Multaq can raise the risk of serious heart rhythm problems.

2. Nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset

Nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach are common Multaq side effects. These symptoms may occur soon after you start taking it. But they usually go away on their own after a few days.

It’s recommended to take Multaq with food. This helps your body absorb it, and may also help keep nausea at bay. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding greasy or spicy foods can also help. Be sure to drink plenty of water or electrolyte drinks to avoid dehydration. Small, frequent sips tend to be easier on the stomach.

If stomach-related side effects worsen or don’t improve, let your prescriber know. They can help determine the cause and the best path forward.

3. Abdominal pain

Some people experience mild abdominal pain while taking Multaq. This may be related to nausea or diarrhea, or it can occur on its own. Taking Multaq with food may help.

In most cases, stomach pain should improve over time. But you should let your prescriber know if it gets worse or isn’t going away. In rare cases, stomach pain may be a sign of liver problems — a more serious Multaq side effect. If you have stomach pain along with a fever or yellowing of the skin and eyes, seek medical care right away.

4. Weakness and fatigue

Feeling generally weak or fatigued is another Multaq side effect. But these are also common symptoms of AFib. So the medication itself may not be solely to blame.

Staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, and eating a heart-healthy diet may help give you more energy. Regular exercise is also part of a healthy lifestyle. Just check with your healthcare team first before starting a new exercise routine.

If you experience excessive weakness or fatigue that you can’t shake, let your prescriber know. They may consider medication adjustments to help reduce it. However, sudden weakness on one side of your body can be a sign of a stroke, which is a medical emergency. Call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest ER if this happens.

5. Rash

Medications are capable of causing a few different types of skin reactions. Multaq can cause rashes and itchy, irritated skin for some people. People have also reported rashes caused by inflamed blood vessels (vasculitis) in rare cases.

Multaq skin reactions can range from mild to severe. It’s best to let your prescriber know right away if you notice a rash or other skin-related symptoms. They can determine if you can manage it yourself or if you need further care.

Some skin rashes may be related to a Multaq allergy. If you experience any of these symptoms along with a rash, seek emergency medical attention:

• Hives

• Coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing

• Fever

• Swelling of the face and throat

6. Heart problems

Heart problems are a serious Multaq side effect, but they aren’t common.

New or worsening heart failure is one example of these problems. If you develop increasing shortness of breath and swelling in your extremities while taking Multaq, let your prescriber know right away. Severe heart failure symptoms may require hospitalization.

Multaq has also been linked to an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. This is a condition where your heart takes too long to recharge between heartbeats. QT prolongation can increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. If you notice a fast or irregular heartbeat while taking Multaq, it’s best to seek emergency care for evaluation.

Good to know: Drug interactions can increase the risk of QT prolongation with Multaq. And taking it with certain medications can worsen heart failure, too. Be sure to share your current medication list with your healthcare team to check for these interactions ahead of time.

7. Liver problems

Though rare, liver problems are a possible Multaq side effect. Because of this, you may need regular blood tests to check your liver function while you’re taking it. Make sure your healthcare team knows if you have a history of liver problems before starting Multaq. If liver damage develops, you’ll likely need to stop taking the medication.

Report any signs or symptoms of liver problems to your healthcare team right away, such as:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Right-sided stomach pain

• Yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice)

• Dark colored urine

• Fatigue or weakness

8. Lung problems

Lung problems are another rare but serious Multaq side effect. Pneumonitis (lung inflammation) and pulmonary fibrosis (scarring) are two types of lung damage that can occur.

Your healthcare team may evaluate your lung function before you start taking Multaq and during treatment. You should let them know right away if you notice any shortness of breath or if you’re having trouble breathing.

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Written by:

Julie Adkison, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES

Julie Adkison, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES, is a clinical pharmacist specializing in ambulatory care practice and diabetes care and education. She has worked in a faculty position in family medicine for many years.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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