May cause bradycardia and hypotension. Hepatotoxicity is common. May cause optic neuritis/neuropathy. Corneal microdeposits may occur (blurred vision, halos). Corneal refractive laser surgery is generally contraindicated in amiodarone users. May cause photosensitivity. Proarrhythmic effect (e.g. torsade de pointes, significant heart block, sinus bradycardia). Pulmonary toxicity (chronic interstitial pneumonitis, organizing pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, solitary pulmonary mass) may occur. Only indicated for patients with life-threatening arrhythmias because of risk of toxicity. Alternative therapies should be tried first before using amiodarone. Patients should be hospitalized when amiodarone is initiated. Electrolyte imbalances should be corrected prior to and throughout therapy. Use with caution in hepatic impairment or in thyroid disease (may cause hyper- or hypothyroidism). Potent inhibitor of CYP enzymes and transport proteins (P-glycoprotein), which may lead to increased serum concentrations/toxicity of a number of medications. Use with caution with QTc-prolonging potential drugs dependent on metabolism via enzymes inhibited by amiodarone. Caution in surgical (may enhance hemodynamic effect of anesthetics) and postoperative patients (risk of adult respiratory distress syndrome). Injection contains benzyl alcohol («gasping syndrome» in neonates). Increased risk of drug interactions even upon discontinuation of therapy (difficult to predict when an arrhythmia may occur).