Description

Cordarone 100 mg (Amiodarone) – Class III Antiarrhythmic for Ventricular Arrhythmias

Cordarone 100 mg is an oral amiodarone tablet (brand by Taro Pharmaceuticals) used in the management and suppression of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias—such as ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation—particularly when other therapies are ineffective or poorly tolerated. 

How It Works

Amiodarone blocks potassium channels (Class III) to prolong myocardial repolarization and action potential–thus stabilizing cardiac rhythm. It also exhibits Class I (sodium), II (beta-blocking), and IV (calcium-blocking) effects. 

When & Why It’s Used

• Treatment of recurrent or hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation unsuitable for cardioversion. 
• Secondary prevention in patients who failed or cannot tolerate other antiarrhythmics. 
• Maintenance therapy may be achieved with ≤ 100 mg/day in stable patients, though starting doses are much higher. 

Dosage & Administration

Typical dosing: Oral loading over 1–3 weeks at 800–1,600 mg/day until arrhythmia control, followed by tapering to an adjustment phase (600–800 mg/day), then to a maintenance dose usually around 400 mg/day—Cordarone 100 mg tablets help fine-tune maintenance as low as 100–200 mg daily. 

Because of its long half-life (up to ~100 days), steady-state takes weeks—therapeutic benefits may be delayed. Consistency with respect to meals is advised. 

Common side effects

• Bradycardia, hypotension due to atrioventricular node slowing. 
• Pulmonary toxicity (interstitial pneumonitis/fibrosis) in up to 17% of long-term users—can be fatal in ~10%. 
• Hypo‑/hyperthyroidism—around 6–22% and 2–9% respectively; caused by iodine content and direct thyroid cytotoxicity. 
• Hepatic injury—elevated liver enzymes are frequent; rare progression to fibrosis or cirrhosis. 
• Corneal microdeposits (halos/blur; usually reversible), optic neuropathy, photosensitivity with bluish‑gray skin pigmentation. 

Precautions & Drug Interactions

• Contraindicated in cardiogenic shock, severe sinus-node dysfunction, high-degree AV block without pacemaker, or iodine allergy. 
• Avoid concurrent QT‑prolonging drugs (e.g., sotalol, erythromycin, fluoroquinolones)—risk of torsades de pointe. 
• Potentiates levels of digoxin, warfarin, statins (e.g. simvastatin)—dose adjustment and close monitoring required. 
• Baseline evaluations recommended: chest X‑ray with pulmonary function (DLCO), thyroid panel, LFTs, ECG, and ophthalmologic exam with periodic re-assessments every 3–6 months. 
• Disposition effects linger for months after stopping—continue monitoring post-discontinuation. 

Why Cordarone 100 mg?

• Low-strength tablets ideal for precise dose tapering and stable maintenance, minimizing toxicity risk. 
• Generic Cordarone 100 mg offers cost-effective access to a vital antiarrhythmic, produced by Taro. 
• Broad multi-channel antiarrhythmic profile provides unique effectiveness in refractory arrhythmias, uncommon in other drug classes. 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I start with 100 mg daily?

No—therapy must begin with high-dose loading (typically 800–1,600 mg/day), titrating down based on rhythm monitoring. Starting at 100 mg is for maintenance only. 

2. How long until it works?

Amiodarone accumulation requires 1–2 weeks or more—loading phase may take up to 3 weeks before rhythm effects manifest. 

3. What if I miss a dose?

Take it as soon as remembered—do not double up. Because of long half-life, occasional delays are less disruptive—but adherence is crucial. 

4. Will I need monitoring?

Yes—regular checks of lung function, thyroid, liver, ECG (QT interval), and ocular exams are essential during and up to 6 months after therapy. 

5. Are visual and skin side effects reversible?

Corneal deposits and skin discoloration often reverse months after stopping, but optic neuropathy may be permanent. Sun protection is very important.