Amiodarone in clinical practice: efficacy, safety, precautions

Olesin A.I., Kanorsky S.G., Mamedov M.N.

Amiodarone, an iodinated benzofuran derivative with properties of Class I, II, III, and IV antiarrhythmic agents, is a commonly prescribed antiarrhythmic drug used for the treatment of supraventricular and ventricular cardiac arrhythmias. Effective use of this agent, given its serious and potentially hazardous adverse effects, requires an understanding of the risk-benefit balance to ensure treatment safety. Amiodarone is most effective as a means of maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation, for prevention of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. The drug has a complex pharmacokinetic profile, a large volume of distribution, and a long half-life, which leads to persistence of its effects after discontinuation. Amiodarone may cause various adverse effects, including thyroid dysfunction, pulmonary fibrosis, and hepatic injury. It interacts with various drugs, including anticoagulants, requiring careful monitoring to prevent complications. In this context, current perspectives on oral and intravenous amiodarone administration methods, indications, contraindications, recommended doses, drug interactions, adverse effects, and monitoring protocols during long-term treatment with this antiarrhythmic drug are of particular relevance.

Keywords: amiodarone, management of cardiac arrhythmias, supraventricular arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias, drug interactions, adverse effects.

For citation: Olesin A.I., Kanorsky S.G., Mamedov M.N. Amiodarone in clinical practice: efficacy, safety, precautions. International Journal of Heart and Vascular Diseases. 2026; 14(49):40-50. DOI: 10.24412/2311-1623-2026-49-50-62