Hello And Thank You For This Important Service. I Was

Posted on Sun, 26 Jan 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 26 Jan 2020 Answered on

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Question : Hello and thank you for this important service. I was recommended for a cardio version for my permanent Afib.
I was put on Amerioderone (2x 200mg per day for 2 weeks) and then 1 per day after 3 weeks I developed large red blotches over my body and pimply and itchy rashes. I have since cancelled my cardio version and stopped taking Ameriodarone but still have these large red blotches on my inner thighs and calves and the itchy rashes continue. Question please...How can I get rid of Ameriodarone out of my system and can the skin problems it has caused be treated. Thanks very much Kind regards, Buddy XXXXXXX (80 years of age)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Drug reaction

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through your query and noted your concern.

Seems like you had a drug reaction to the oral medication. I suggest you to use a soothing lotion e.g calamine lotion to calm down the rashes. In addition I suggest you to take an oral antihistamine e.g cetirizine 10mg tablet once a day for symptomatic relief from itching.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (19 hours later)

Dear Dr. Kakkar....Thank you for your response however.
From my own research I feel certain that my condition i.e. red blotches on my skin snd itchy rashes is the result of my taking the drug Amiodarone
Since I have stopped taking Amiodarone and since i understand it can stay in my system for up to 3 months and more my main reason writing to Doctors On Line was as I say in my email was "How can I get rid of Amiodarone out of my system".
With this in mind and with due respect to you I am disappointed that my
question has not been answered to my satisfaction.
Sincerely, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding adverse reactions to drugs

Detailed Answer:
hi.
Yes, it seems like an adverse drug reaction, possibly to amiodarone. That is what I too suspected. Unfortunately, there is no way to clear the drug from your system. However, most reactions due to amiodarone or other drugs resolve with discontinuation of the implicated drug and symptomatic management appropriate to the cutaneous symptoms - topical soothing lotion or corticosteroid with or with without oral steroids. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T