Pacerone (Amiodarone) is a prescription medication used to treat serious and possibly fatal heart rhythm disorders like recurrent ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Heart rhythm disorders occur when the electrical signals that coordinate the heartbeats do not work properly. Ventricular fibrillation and tachycardia are life-threatening. Pacerone is used to restore normal heart rhythm and maintain a steady heartbeat. The active ingredient in Pacerone is Amiodarone. Amiodarone belongs to a class of drugs called class III antiarrhythmic. It works by blocking certain electrical signals in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat.

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Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Pacerone. The most common side effects of Pacerone may include the following:
• Appetite loss;
• Constipation;
• Nausea

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Blurred vision;
• Signs of an overactive thyroid, including weight loss, thinning hair, increased sweating, or feeling nervous or irritable;
• Signs of an underactive thyroid, including weight gain, depression, tiredness, or trouble concentrating;
• Signs of nerve problems, including muscle weakness, uncontrolled muscle movement, or a prickly feeling in your hands or lower legs

These are not all of the side effects of Pacerone. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

You should not take Pacerone if you are allergic to Amiodarone or any ingredient in Pacerone. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have a heart condition called AV block;
• Have a history of slow heartbeats that caused you to faint;
• Have a pacemaker or defibrillator in your chest;
• Have a thyroid disorder;
• Have an electrolyte imbalance;
• Have heart failure;
• Have high or low blood pressure

Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Pacerone and St. John’s wort, droperidol, indinavir, lonafarnib, thioridazine, triptorelin, etc. Avoid artemether, alfuzosin, chloroquine, epinephrine, erythromycin, fentanyl, or ketoconazole with Pacerone. Do not eat grapefruit or drink when taking Pacerone. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Taking Pacerone in pregnancy may harm a fetus or cause congenital disabilities after the baby is born. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Amiodarone passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not use this drug when breastfeeding. Take Pacerone precisely as prescribed by your doctor. You will receive your first few doses in the hospital, where your heart rhythm can be monitored. Swallow the tablets whole with water. You may take Pacerone with or without food, but take it the same way each time. Avoid driving or any hazardous activity until you know how the drug affects you. Amiodarone may make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when you are outdoors. Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

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