Antiarrhythmic (heart rhythm medicine)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Amiodarone is a heart medicine that helps control irregular heartbeats by stabilizing the electrical signals in your heart so it beats in a normal, steady rhythm.
Blocks sodium, potassium, and calcium channels while exhibiting non-competitive beta-adrenergic antagonism, thereby slowing conduction velocity, prolonging the action potential duration, and increasing the refractory period to restore normal heart rhythm.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
This is a very specialized medicine that a doctor must start you on. Typically, you begin with a higher 'loading dose' of 200mg taken 3 times daily for 1 week, then reduced to 200mg twice daily for another week, then down to 200mg once daily as a maintenance dose. Always take it with food to help your body absorb it better. Your doctor will adjust the dose based on how your heart responds.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for it. Because this drug stays in the body for a very long time, one missed dose is usually not an emergency, but try to be consistent.
This is a very powerful prescription medicine — never buy it from roadside sellers or take someone else's heart medicine, as wrong dosing can be life-threatening. Protect your skin from the sun by wearing long sleeves and sunscreen because this drug makes your skin very sensitive to sunlight, which matters a lot in Nigeria's sunny climate. You will need regular blood tests (especially thyroid and liver function) and eye checkups while on this drug, so keep all your hospital appointments.
Warfarin (blood thinner): Amiodarone makes warfarin much stronger, increasing the risk of dangerous bleeding — your doctor must adjust the warfarin dose. Digoxin (another heart medicine): Taking both together can cause dangerously high digoxin levels in your blood. Grapefruit juice should be avoided as it can increase the amount of amiodarone in your body and worsen side effects. Alcohol can worsen liver damage, so reduce or avoid it entirely.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Amiodarone with your other drugs?
Amiodarone is NOT safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding as it can seriously harm the unborn baby's thyroid and development, and it passes into breast milk — talk to your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat — this is especially important in hot Nigerian weather. Keep it in a dry place, away from humidity like bathrooms or kitchens. Always keep it out of the reach of children and store in its original container.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Amiodarone Hydrochloride?
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