 Taking dronedarone (Multaq)
Dear Patient,
Your health care provider has prescribed dronedarone to treat your abnormal heart rhythm. This drug slows your heart rate and controls the irregular rhythm. The brand name of this drug is Multaq.
How you'll take dronedarone
Take one tablet by mouth twice daily with your morning and evening meals.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time to take the next dose, skip the missed dose. Don't try to make up doses.
What to do about side effects
Notify your health care provider if you experience side effects to this medication.
Common: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, rash.
Less common: worsening heart failure, slow heart rate, abnormal electrolyte levels, liver or kidney problems.
What you must know about other medications
There are many drugs that could cause serious problems if you combine them with this drug, including certain antibiotics, other drugs used to treat heart rhythm problems, tricyclic antidepressants, and drugs used to treat mental disorders known as phenothiazines. Rifampin (Rifadin), a drug used to treat tuberculosis may decrease dronedarone levels. The herbal preparation St. John's wort may make dronedarone ineffective. You could experience side effects if you combine dronedarone with grapefruit juice. Tell any health care provider who takes care of you that you're taking this drug.
Special directions
- Don't stop taking this drug if you're running low or feeling better. Talk to your health care provider about obtaining a refill.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this drug.
- Your health care provider will monitor your electrocardiogram and various blood test results while you're taking this drug.
- Don't use St. John's wort while you're taking this drug; serious adverse effects could occur.
Keep in mind
- This drug could affect an unborn baby. You should use contraceptive measures while you're taking this drug. If you should become pregnant while taking this drug, consult with your health care provider.
- It's unknown how this drug could affect a nursing baby. Because of the potential for adverse effects, another method of feeding the baby should be used.
- Notify your health care provider if you develop diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and rash.
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