Dronedarone
Dronedarone Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
DRONEDARONE (droe NE da rone) is an antiarrhythmic drug. It helps make your heart beat regularly.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
heart failure
history of irregular heartbeat
liver disease
liver or lung problems with the past use of amiodarone
low levels of magnesium in the blood
low levels of potassium in the blood
other heart disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to dronedarone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take one tablet with the morning meal and one tablet with the evening meal. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
arsenic trioxide
certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, pentamidine, telithromycin, troleandomycin
certain medicines for depression like tricyclic antidepressants
certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
certain medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, ibutilide, quinidine, propafenone, sotalol
certain medicines for malaria like chloroquine, halofantrine
cisapride
cyclosporine
droperidol
haloperidol
methadone
other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
pimozide
nefazodone
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
ritonavir
ziprasidone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, or irregular heart beat like diltiazem, metoprolol, propranolol, verapamil
certain medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
digoxin
grapefruit juice
rifampin
sirolimus
St. John's Wort
tacrolimus
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored closely when you first begin therapy. Often, this drug is first started in a hospital or other monitored health care setting. Once you are on maintenance therapy, visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Because your condition and use of this medicine carry some risk, it is a good idea to carry an identification card, necklace or bracelet with details of your condition, medications, and doctor or health care professional.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
cough
dark urine
fast, irregular heartbeat
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
light-colored stools
loss of appetite, nausea
right upper belly pain
slow heartbeat
stomach pain
swelling of the legs or ankles
unusually weak or tired
weight gain
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):
nausea
vomiting
stomach pain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert