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Amiodarone can cause pulmonary toxicity (hypersensitivity pneumonitis or interstitial/alveolar pneumonitis) that has resulted in clinically manifest disease at rates as high as 17% in some series of patients. Pulmonary toxicity has been fatal about 10% of the time.
Amiodarone (Pacerone) is a heart rhythm medication known for causing side effects throughout your body. Blue skin discoloration, sun sensitivity, and thyroid problems are just a few examples. And older adults tend to be at higher risk of experiencing side effects from treatment.
The gastrointestinal effects of amiodarone include nausea, anorexia and constipation. They can occur in up to 30% of patients and are more common in older people. The effects tend to improve with dose reduction. 3
However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving amiodarone. Studies in women breastfeeding have demonstrated harmful infant effects.
While less common, the most serious side effects of amiodarone are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Amiodorone may cause allergic reactions,...
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication? Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; Bluish-gray skin; Change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
While long-term contemporary use of amiodarone has generally been at lower doses (200 to 300 mg/day) than were historically used, even low doses may be associated with significant adverse effects, particularly pulmonary, thyroid, cardiac, skin, and ocular toxicities.
Several side effects have been described over time, especially in cases of chronic use. It is estimated that the prevalence of adverse effects related to treatment with amiodarone is 15% the first year and 50% in cases of prolonged administration.
Amiodarone poses higher risks for older adults due to prolonged drug elimination times, increasing the likelihood of toxic effects on various body systems such as the thyroid gland, nerves, lungs, and other systems.
Elderly patients have been shown to have decreased gastric acid secretion and splanchnic blood flow which can lead to decreased absorption of various drugs. However, there is a concomitant decrease in gastrointestinal motility which can increase absorption due to longer transit times.