Amiodarone (am-ee-o-da-rone)
Also Called: Cordarone

Why does my child need this medicine?

• Amiodarone is used to prevent or treat an irregular heartbeat.

How should I give my child this medicine?

• Give Amiodarone on a regular schedule as prescribed by your child's doctor. Usually this medication is given once a day.

• Do not stop giving you child Amiodarone unless told to do so by your child's doctor.

• If giving your child a liquid carefully measure each dose with an oral syringe or medicine dropper. The liquid can be mixed with a small amount of juice or milk to prevent stomach upset.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store this medicine in the original bottle at room temperature, away from light, heat and moisture. If your child was prescribed a liquid, ask your pharmacist how to store it.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. If any child gets into the bottle and swallows Amiodarone, call the Poison Control Center immediately. (Indiana 1-800-382-9097)

What should I do if my child misses a dose of medicine?

• Give the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not give the missed dose. Instead give the next dose at the usual time.

• Do not give a double dose. If two or more doses are missed, call your child's doctor.

When should I call the doctor?

• If you think you have given your child too much medicine.

• If your child has: severe tremors, difficulty walking, headache, difficulty seeing, swelling of the feet or ankles, cough, shortness of breath, severe stomach cramps, or irregular or fast heartbeat.

Special instructions:

• Amiodarone may make your child's skin more sensitive to the sun. Dress your child in protective clothing and apply a lotion with sunscreen.

• Do not give your child any other medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, until you check with your child's doctor.