Medicine Overview
Adult Dose
| Clinical Information | Administration Information |
|---|---|
|
Indication: Supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias Age: Adult |
Dose: Oral - 80 mg/day Frequency: once daily or in 2 divided doses Note: Increased gradually every 2-3 days. Usual dose: 160-320 mg/day in 2 divided doses. |
|
Indication: Life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias Age: Adult |
Dose: Oral - 80 mg Frequency: twice daily Note: Increased gradually every 3 days to 240-320 mg/day in divided doses if needed. |
Child Dose
| Clinical Information | Administration Information |
|---|---|
|
Indication: Ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, or atrial flutter Age: 2 years and older |
Dose: By mouth – 1.2 mg/kg (initial); 2.4 mg/kg (maximum) Frequency: Three times daily Note: Maximum Dose: 7.2 mg/kg/day |
|
Indication: Ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, or atrial flutter Age: Younger than 2 years |
Dose: By mouth – 30 mg/m2 multiplied by an age-dependent factor Frequency: Three times daily |
Renal Dose
| Clinical Information | Administration Information |
|---|---|
|
Condition: Renal impairment: Creatinine Clearance 30-60 ml/min |
Dose: Renal Dose – Half the usual dose Note: Dosage Recommendation |
|
Condition: Renal impairment: Creatinine Clearance 10-30 ml/min |
Dose: Renal Dose – Quarter the usual dose Note: Dosage Recommendation |
Administration
- Take on empty stomach
- Take 1-2 hours before meals
Side Effect
- Dyspnea (21%)
- Dizziness (20%)
- Fatigue (20%)
- Bradycardia (16%)
- Chest pain (16%)
- Palpitation (14%)
- Weakness (13%)
- Lightheadedness (12%)
- Nausea/vomiting (10%)
- Edema (8%)
- Headache (8%)
- Sleep disturbances (8%)
- Abnormal ECG (7%)
- Diarrhea (7%)
- Extremity pain (7%)
- Hypotension (6%)
- Mental confusion (6%)
- Congestive heart failure (5%)
- Itching/rash (5%)
- Syncope (5%)
- Anxiety (4%)
- Depression (4%)
- Torsades de pointes or new ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation in patients with supraventricular arrhythmia (4%)
- Peripheral vascular disorders (3%)
- Impotence (2%)
- Proarrhythmic effect (1.5-2%)
- Torsades de pointes with history of sustained ventricular tachycardia (1%)
- Catechol hypersensitivity after abrupt withdrawal
- Increased insulin requirement in diabetics
- Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (very rare)
- Rebound hypertension
Drug Interaction
Drug Interaction
| Drug Name | Risk Factors |
|---|---|
|
Digoxin
|
May increase risk of bradycardia
|
|
Diuretics (Chlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone, Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, Metolazone, Bumetanide, Ethacrynic acid, Furosemide, Torsemide, Amiloride, Eplerenone, Spironolactone, Triamterene)
|
May increase risk of arrhythmias
|
Disease Interaction
Disease Interaction
| Disease Name | Risk Factors |
|---|---|
|
Bronchial Asthma/COPD
|
Can cause severe breathing difficulties
|
|
Sick Sinus Syndrome/Bradycardia
|
Can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems
|
Pregnancy
Pregnancy
Lactation
Special Use
Precaution
Overdose
Pharmacology
Storage
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.
Data Sources
Clinical & regulatory information on this page is compiled from the following government sources:
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment.