Patients taking prescription medication to control an irregular heartbeat should be aware of symptoms of amiodarone toxicity.

What is Amiodarone?

Amiodarone is the generic form of brand names Cordarone, Nextrone and Pacerone, and is available in both oral and injectable forms. The drug is used in the treatment of life threatening arrythmias.

Arrythmias occur when problems in the heart cause irregular heartbeats. Some arrythmias are minor and are not even detected due to their lack of symptoms. Other arrythmias are life threatening because they make it more likely that a person will suffer from a stroke, heart failure, or even sudden death.

Amiodarone is specifically used to treat ventricular fibrillation (an arrythmia which occurs when the heart quivers instead of pumps) and ventricular tachycardia (an arrythmia which occurs when one chamber of the heart beats too fast), both of which can be life threatening.

The medication works to treat abnormal heart rates by influencing the cells within the heart that are responsible for muscle contractions in the organ. By regulating these cells, amiodarone treats and prevents heartrate issues which could cause serious side effects and complications.

Although amiodarone can be an effective treatment for these arrythmias, the drug is associated with serious side effects including lung damage, liver problems, vision loss, and even worsening of the heartbeat issues. Due to these potential complications, the drug is generally only prescribed in serious life or death cases where it is the best treatment option.

What is Amiodarone Pulmonary Toxicity?

Amiodarone pulmonary toxicity is the name given to lung problems arising from amiodarone treatment. Several types of lung problems are included under this umbrella term. These issues can result in symptoms such as wheezing, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, and spitting up blood.

Amiodarone pulmonary toxicity may affect up to five percent of patients taking the heart ailment drug and may appear as one of four lung issues.

What is the Most Dangerous Type of Amiodarone Pulmonary Toxicity?

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) occurs when the membranes of the lung’s air sacs become damaged and fill with fluid. As a result, the lungs are unable to send enough oxygen to the bloodstream, causing a severe shortness of breath. Most patients with this dangerous side effect need to receive treatment on a ventilator, but even then, the survival rate is only around 50 percent according to Very Well Health.

What is Interstitial Pneumonitis?

Interstitial pneumonitis is the most common form of pulmonary toxicity related to amiodarone. The condition happens slowly over time, causing the air sacs of the lungs to collect fluid and to experience cellular inflammation.

Symptoms of amiodarone toxicity stemming from interstitial pneumonitis include a cough, fatigue and gradual worsening of shortness of breath, all of which are symptoms seen in heart failure, too. Because the symptoms are common to both ailments, many instances of interstitial pneumonitis might be misdiagnosed as heart failure.

Can Amiodarone Cause Regular Pneumonia?

Yes, although not common, regular pneumonia, also known as organizing pneumonia or typical-pattern pneumonia, may be a side effect of amiodarone toxicity. An x-ray will show a pocket of congestion that looks like a case of bacterial pneumonia. When the pneumonia doesn’t respond to antibiotic treatment, the doctor will realize it is indicative of amiodarone toxicity.

What is the Most Rare Form of Amiodarone Pulmonary Toxicity?

A single, solid mass seen in an x-ray can be mistaken as a tumor or pocket of infection. A biopsy of the mass can determine it is related to amiodarone toxicity.

Who is Most at Risk of Such Toxicity?

Any patient taking amiodarone is at risk, but patients over the age of 60, those who are on 400 milligrams or more per day and anyone who has taken the medication for six months or more are at a higher risk. Research also indicates that anyone suffering from other lung issues prior to taking amiodarone may be at an increased risk of amiodarone pulmonary toxicity and other long-term side effects.

What Will a Doctor Do if I Have Symptoms of Amiodarone Toxicity?

Your doctor will rule out other causes of breathing difficulty, such as heart failure, bacterial pneumonia or a pulmonary embolism. Treatment usually includes removing amiodarone from your medicinal protocol, and some patients may benefit from the use of corticosteroids.

Should My Symptoms Improve Immediately After Stopping the Drug?

Possibly not because amiodarone can stay in the body for up to 60 days after the last dose is taken. Symptoms might actually worsen before they start to subside.