Multaq (Dronedarone): Uses, Side Effects and Interactions
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr CH N Raju, Cardiology
Multaq also known by its generic name dronedarone, is a heart rhythm medicine that helps certain people with life-threatening atrial rhythm disorders and maintains normal heartbeats (the upper chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow into the heart).
It reduces the chance of needing to be hospitalized for a heart rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrillation.
Multaq (dronedarone) is an antiarrhythmic medication primarily prescribed to treat certain heart rhythm disorders. It helps reduce the need for hospitalization in affected patients.
Although not commonly used for other conditions, Multaq may occasionally be prescribed for related cardiac rhythm issues under close supervision.
Multaq works by stabilizing the heart's electrical activity to help maintain a steady rhythm and prevent irregular heartbeats.
Multaq is only available as a 400 mg oral tablet and is not available in other forms such as injection, syrup, or suspension.
It's important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly when taking Multaq to ensure safe and effective results.
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body's functions.
Symptoms may include:
Call your doctor or visit the nearest emergency room if overdosed
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionLike any medication, Multaq 400 mg can cause side effects. Most are mild, but some may require medical attention.
This medicine should be used carefully under medical supervision, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking other medications.
Alcohol or Food Interactions
Take Multaq with food for better absorption. Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects or interfere with the medicine's effectiveness.
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take to avoid harmful interactions with Multaq.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking Multaq.
Store this medicine properly to maintain its effectiveness and avoid risks due to damage or contamination.
| Multaq | Amiodarone |
|---|---|
| Multaq (dronedarone) is a heart rhythm medicine that helps certain people with life-threatening atrial rhythm disorders maintain normal heartbeats. | Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication that is used for treating and preventing a variety of irregular heartbeats. |
| This is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, both of which are types of abnormal heart rhythms. | It is used to treat and prevent certain types of severe, potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias. |
| It works by preventing abnormal electrical signals from reaching the heart. This helps control your heart's irregular beating and allows it to beat normally. | Amiodarone primarily works by inhibiting potassium rectifier currents, which are responsible for heart repolarization during phase 3 of the cardiac action potential. |

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040-68334455The typical dose is 400 mg twice a day (total 800 mg daily). Do not exceed this unless advised by your doctor.
Yes, in rare cases, Multaq may cause liver injury. Regular liver function tests are recommended during treatment.
Multaq and Flecainide are both used for abnormal heart rhythms but have different mechanisms, side effects, and safety profiles. Your doctor will choose based on your condition.
Avoid grapefruit juice, certain heart or liver medicines, and strong CYP3A inhibitors unless prescribed. Always inform your doctor about other medications.
Multaq (dronedarone) typically begins working within a few days, but its full effect in maintaining a normal heart rhythm may take up to 1–2 weeks. Continue taking it as directed, and consult your doctor regarding any specific concerns or side effects.
Multaq has been shown to keep atrial fibrillation at bay for an average of 116 days, compared to 53 days with placebo, based on its efficacy in preventing atrial fibrillation attacks.
Multaq may lead to a modest reduction in blood pressure and a more significant decrease in heart rate during atrial fibrillation, contributing to reducing stroke risk.
Taking Multaq with food helps regulate the level of the medicine in your blood, potentially reducing the risk of side effects.
Multaq (or dronedarone) is derived from amiodarone but does not contain iodine, resulting in fewer side effects such as thyroid and lung toxicity.
Multaq is generally prescribed for adults only. It is not recommended for use in children or adolescents without a doctor's approval.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.