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Dronedarone

Brand names: Multaq

Dronedarone helps keep a normal rhythm in people with atrial fibrillation who don't have severe heart failure.

Brand namesMultaq
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's related to amiodarone but with fewer lung and thyroid effects.

What it's used for

  • Lowering hospital stays for atrial fibrillation

How to take it

  • Take it twice a day with breakfast and dinner.

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

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Weakness
  • Slow heartbeat
Call 911Shortness of breath, swelling, or fast weight gain (worse heart failure)
Call your provider todayYellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain in the upper right belly
Call 911Fainting or a fast, irregular heartbeat

Warnings

  • Boxed warning: higher risk of death in people with severe heart failure or permanent AFib.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Never take with strong CYP3A4 blockers or other medicines that prolong the QT interval.
  • It raises digoxin, dabigatran, and some statin levels.
  • Avoid grapefruit juice.

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

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It can harm an unborn baby.

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.