Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.
Check symptoms

Amiodarone

Brand names: Pacerone, Nexterone

Amiodarone controls serious heart rhythm problems. It works well but needs regular checks because of side effects.

Brand namesPacerone, Nexterone
Type of medicineAntiarrhythmic (heart rhythm medicine)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It stays in the body for months. Lung, liver, thyroid, and eye tests are checked over time.

What it's used for

  • Life-threatening fast rhythms from the lower heart chambers
  • Off-label: atrial fibrillation

How to take it

  • Take it the same way each day, with or without food.
  • Use sunscreen; it makes skin burn easily and can turn it blue-gray.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Tiredness
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Tremor
Call 911New or worse shortness of breath, cough, or chest pain (possible lung damage)
Call 911Fainting, a very slow heartbeat, or a racing irregular heartbeat
Call your provider todayVision changes
Call your provider todayYellow skin or eyes
Call your provider todayWeight change, feeling hot or cold, or other thyroid symptoms

Warnings

  • Boxed warning: it can cause serious lung, liver, and heart rhythm problems. It's used only for serious rhythm problems.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • It raises levels of warfarin, digoxin, and some statins (simvastatin, lovastatin).
  • Grapefruit juice raises its level.
  • Sofosbuvir (hepatitis C) can cause a dangerously slow heart rate.
  • Many medicines that affect heart rhythm add to that risk.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It can harm an unborn baby. Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.