The dosage of Cordarone is individual, but is administered in as low a dosage as possible. The effect of the medicine (Cordarone) develops slowly and it takes from weeks to months before the full effect is achieved. It also takes a considerable amount of time before all the medicine has left your body, after the treatment is terminated.

At the beginning of your treatment, the consultant would normally administer a larger dose of Cordarone in order to “saturate” your body with the medicine. In some cases Cordarone is administered via a drip to speed up the effect.

When the medicine starts taking effect, the consultant plans an individual maintenance dose, depending on your body’s reaction to the medicine.

Cordarone is an effective medicine for the treatment and prevention of heart rhythm disorders.

Cordarone works by:

• Inhibiting the electrical impulses in the heart, causing the pulse to drop
• Stabilising the heart rhythm
• Preventing further cases of rapid or irregular heart rhythm.

Most patients tolerate Cordarone well, but like all medicines side effects may occur. The risk of side effects usually increases with higher doses. This means that the side effects can often be reduced or eliminated by lowering the dose.

Initially Cordarone can cause nausea, headaches and tremors. These side effects are almost always temporary, but in severe cases they can persist.

Cordarone increases the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and as a result of this also increases the risk of sunburn. Most patients experience this phenomenon and we recommend that you avoid sunbathing and when in the sun, to wear a long-sleeved top and trousers. It is also a good idea to wear a wide-brimmed hat and to use sunblock.

Most patients get microscopic pigment spots on the cornea. This rarely affects vision. However a check-up by an ophthalmologist every six months is recommended.

Cordarone can affect the hormone production in the thyroid gland, which means your metabolism is increased. The symptoms of this condition are anxiety, weight loss and a tendency to sweat more. If you experience these symptoms, please contact your GP. Metabolic disorders occur in 10 percent of patients undergoing treatment with Cordarone. It is possible to treat the symptoms with medication. All patients receiving Cordarone treatment attend regular blood sample check-ups where possible metabolic disorders are discovered.

In rare cases Cordarone can affect the lungs and cause an unpleasant dry cough or shortness of breath/dyspnoea. This can be a serious condition and we recommend that you contact your GP, even in the event of a mild shortness of breath.

Cordarone can affect the nervous system and cause side effects such as dizziness and sensory disturbances of the limbs (arms and legs).

Initially you need to attend regular outpatient check-ups. Prior to the check-ups blood samples and an electrocardiogram (ECG) is taken. After a while you will have blood samples taken every 6 months and an x-ray of your heart and lungs approximately once a year.

Only senior cardiac consultants can issue the prescription for Cordarone. You can have your prescription renewed, when you are here for a check-up or by calling the Heart Clinic on the contact information mentioned below.