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What Are The Symptoms When Amiodarone Affects The Lungs?
Question: What are the symptoms when amioderone effect the lungs? I'Ve been taking this drug for about 3 Mo. I previously & still do have bronechtasis (under control) andhave begun wondering as I've had pneumonia of late and am now on antibiotics if Amioderone is causing my problem?
Brief Answer:
Eventually causes breathlessness and cough.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX
I can understand your concern here.
I would like to inform you that amiodarone is one of most toxic drugs affecting the lungs and pleura (covering over lungs).
These side effects can appear at any time after starting therapy and with any amount of amiodarone.
Studies has shown that 5 to 15 % patients who are taking amiodarone 400 mg daily develop acute lung toxicity in about 2 months. Those who are taking 200 mg per day may develop this in about 2 years.
But I would like to emphasize that none of the doses is completely safe.
Patients present with shortness of breath that is breathlessness along with dry or productive cough that is with sputum. Few may have chest pain, fatigue ,loss of appetite and fever also.
Toxicity is more of a problem with elderly patients who already suffer from an existing lung issue.
Your suspicion is very correct about amiodarone. The problem you have right now all may be caused by this drug and stopping this drug is the best solution for that.
But stopping Amidarone can be a problem for the heart, you've been put on the drug for what I assume to be a good reason by your doctor. In my opinion you should consult with your physician and discuss this issue with them to arrive at a plan of action. Don't just stop the drug on your own, that could be very dangerous.
Hope this will help you. If you have any other concerns please feel free to message me . Thanks for contacting HCM .
Eventually causes breathlessness and cough.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX
I can understand your concern here.
I would like to inform you that amiodarone is one of most toxic drugs affecting the lungs and pleura (covering over lungs).
These side effects can appear at any time after starting therapy and with any amount of amiodarone.
Studies has shown that 5 to 15 % patients who are taking amiodarone 400 mg daily develop acute lung toxicity in about 2 months. Those who are taking 200 mg per day may develop this in about 2 years.
But I would like to emphasize that none of the doses is completely safe.
Patients present with shortness of breath that is breathlessness along with dry or productive cough that is with sputum. Few may have chest pain, fatigue ,loss of appetite and fever also.
Toxicity is more of a problem with elderly patients who already suffer from an existing lung issue.
Your suspicion is very correct about amiodarone. The problem you have right now all may be caused by this drug and stopping this drug is the best solution for that.
But stopping Amidarone can be a problem for the heart, you've been put on the drug for what I assume to be a good reason by your doctor. In my opinion you should consult with your physician and discuss this issue with them to arrive at a plan of action. Don't just stop the drug on your own, that could be very dangerous.
Hope this will help you. If you have any other concerns please feel free to message me . Thanks for contacting HCM .
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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