What is Pacerone: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Pacerone overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Cordarone, Pacerone

Generic Names:

  • Amiodarone Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats heart rhythm problems.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiarrhythmic, Group III

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Pacerone used for?

Pacerone is a medication used to treat serious heart rhythm abnormalities. Pacerone belongs to a class of medications called antiarrhythmic agents. Pacerone is a brand version of the drug amiodarone. This medication was discovered in 1961 and approved by the FDA in 1985. In the treatment of some heart rhythm abnormalities, Pacerone use is common.

What form(s) does Pacerone come in

  • Tablet

What are common Pacerone doses?

  • Tablet 100MG

  • Tablet 200MG

  • Tablet 400MG

Common Pacerone prescriptions

  • Pacerone
    30 tablets bottle

  • Pacerone
    100mg tablet

  • Pacerone
    200mg tablet

  • Pacerone
    400mg tablet

How to take Pacerone

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Take this medicine the same way every day. This means take it at the same time and take it consistently with or without food.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take this medicine the same way every day. This means take it at the same time and take it consistently with or without food.

Pacerone contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to amiodarone or iodine, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Pacerone warnings

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, heart failure, thyroid problems, lung disease or breathing problems, blood pressure problems, a slow heartbeat, or diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker or another implanted heart device or if you are planning to have surgery.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Lung problemsLiver problemsWorsening heart rhythm problemsChanges in visionThyroid problems

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds. Your skin may become discolored if you use this medicine for a long time.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Weight gain or loss, nervousness, tremors, trouble sleeping, unusual tiredness, hair loss

Pacerone interactions

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how amiodarone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Cimetidine, clonidine, clopidogrel, cyclosporine, dabigatran, dextromethorphan, digoxin, fentanyl, ivabradine, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, lithium, loratadine, phenytoin, rifampin, simeprevir, sofosbuvir, or St John's wortAnesthesia medicine (eg, lidocaine)Blood pressure medicine (including diltiazem, verapamil)Blood thinner (including warfarin)Medicine to lower cholesterol (including atorvastatin, cholestyramine, lovastatin, simvastatin)Medicine to treat depression (including trazodone)Medicine to treat heart rhythm problems (including flecainide, lidocaine, procainamide, quinidine)Medicine to treat HIV/AIDSMedicine to treat an infectionPhenothiazine medicine (including chlorpromazine, perphenazine, promethazine, thioridazine)

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Lung problemsWorsening heart rhythm problemsThyroid problemsLiver problemsChanges in vision

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds. Your skin may become discolored if you use this medicine for a long time.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Pacerone side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Chest pain, cough, trouble breathing

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Blurred vision or other vision changes, eye pain

  • Weight gain or loss, nervousness, tremors, trouble sleeping, unusual tiredness, hair loss

  • Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat (new or worsening)

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild nausea, vomiting, or constipation