A-fib medication

[Brooks636]

Is amiodarone as safe a drug as digoxin or linoxin for A-fib as far as long term side affects are concerned?

[Cleveland Clinic]

amiodarone is probably one of our strongest AF drugs and it works very well in controling the rhythm.  The problem with it is that it has a concerning side-effect profile.  It is much worse than digoxin from that stand-point.  Patients frequently develop thyroid and liver problems, they also have to have their eyes and lungs checked routinely to rule out further complications.  We typically only use it as a last resort drug, or for a short period of time.  Since the side-effects are usually related to the length of exposure, we tend not to use this medication in young patients.      

[ddavey]

amiodarone is, from what i understand, a very powerful antiarrythmic with serious side effects...   i know that my daughters cardiologist at the univ of mich had told us when they put her on lanoxin that the risks of amiodarone in her case made her not a good candidate for it.   i do know that many have taken it for short periods and it seemed to help, but i believe it generally not taken long term as lanoxin or digoxin is      hope my little bit helps and good luck.......   dawn
p.s.   my daughter is 23 and has dilated cardiomyopathy which is likely caused by very frequent pac's

[darts]

I took amiodorone for a couple of years and developed hyper-thyroidism.  This was corrected by stopping the medication for about 6 months.  Unfortunately the afib came back and I subsequently had cardiac ablation for right atrium and then left.  Finally seems to be taken care of.  I would recommend the ablation.