Multaq is the brand name for the generic drug dronedarone. It is used medicinally for treating atrial fibrillation, where there is an irregular heartbeat in the left chamber of the heart, or atrium. It is designed to reduce the risk of hospitalization.
Multaq Warnings
Multaq should not be taken by individuals with severe heart failure as it increases the risk of death in these people. If you have heart failure symptoms such as shortness of breath even when at rest or after minimal exertion, tell your doctor and have him evaluate other medications for you in substitution for Multaq.
Multaq Side Effects
Side effects that you should tell your doctor about if they become severe or do not eventually go away by themselves are redness, rash, weakness, heartburn, and diarrhea. Severe side effects that should be discussed with your doctor or emergency care provider immediately are shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing frothy mucus, difficulty sleeping due to problems breathing, fainting, fever, slowed heartbeat, and swelling of the legs and feet. More of these serious side effects are weight gain, needing to be propped upright to breathe, flu-like symptoms, itching, bruising or bleeding, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and pain in upper right area of the stomach. Light colored stools, dark urine, fatigue, and lack of energy should also be discussed.
Multaq Precautions
There are many medications that may keep you from adding Multaq to your daily medicines. These can include antidepressants, desipramine, clomipramine, amoxapine, doxepin, imipramine, protripyline, northripyline, trimipramine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, cyclosporine, clarithromycin, erythromycin, amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilde, flecainide, propafenone, nefazodone, sotalol, quinidine, ritonavir, and telithromycin. There may be other medications on this list; ask your doctor if you are on any medication that might interact with Multaq.
Dosage
For atrial fibrillation, the standard dose of Multaq is 400 milligrams given twice per day with meals. It is in tablet form and should not be given on an empty stomach as it will be less effective. If you miss a dose, do not take two doses at the next scheduled time. Take it specifically as prescribed by your doctor. If you have questions about your dose, or about Multaq in general, ask your doctor.
You should also let your doctor know if you are taking vitamins, over the counter medications, nutritional supplements, or herbal remedies such as St. John’s Wort, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Dronedarone can harm the fetus, so it is imperative for you to tell your doctor if you become pregnant while on this medication.
Sources
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
