Adverse effects of amiodarone. Pathogenesis, incidence and management.

Amiodarone is an extremely effective antiarrhythmic agent for the treatment of both life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and refractory supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. Subjective minor side effects are common with amiodarone but rarely require discontinuation of therapy and are often handled by dose reduction. Serious end-organ toxicity, including pulmonary fibrosis and drug-induced hepatitis, have been the most common indications for discontinuing amiodarone therapy in these patients.