Monitoring and Adverse Effects of Amiodarone:
Regular Monitoring:
- Liver Function Tests (LFT)
- Thyroid Function Tests (TFT)
- Chest X-ray (CXR)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Frequency:
- TFT and LFT: Every 6 months
- ECG: Every 12 months
Adverse Effects:
- Pulmonary fibrosis (most serious) and pneumonitis
- Thyroid dysfunction: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
- Liver fibrosis/hepatitis
- Corneal deposits
- Peripheral neuropathy and myopathy
- Photosensitivity
- Slate-grey skin discoloration
- Bradycardia
- Prolonged QT interval
- Thrombophlebitis and injection site reactions (usually given via central veins)