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What is Multaq
DronedaroneThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryDronedarone is a medication used to restore the normal rhythm in people with atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder. It belongs to a group of drugs called antiarrhythmic agents and works by blocking certain channels in the heart to control the rate and rhythm. Dronedarone is similar to the drug amiodarone in its effects, but unlike amiodarone, it does not contain iodine and thus does not cause thyroid problems. It is sold under the brand name Multaq® and was approved by the FDA in 2009, although it has been linked to liver damage.
Multaqis the brand name
Multaq Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Multaq
Dronedarone
2009
3
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Dronedarone, also called Multaq, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses which include Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Fibrillation .Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Helps manage Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF)
Atrial Fibrillation
Helps manage Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Fibrillation
Helps manage Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
Effectiveness
How Multaq Affects PatientsDronedarone is a medication used to restore a normal heart rhythm and reduce heart rate in people with atrial fibrillation. It also lowers blood pressure and oxygen use, and relaxes the blood vessels in the heart. In studies, dronedarone was found to keep people out of the hospital due to acute coronary syndromes and reduced the risk of stroke. It can however cause fetal harm in animals, liver damage, and lung problems such as interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis. Compared to similar drugs, dronedarone acts more quickly and has a shorter lasting effect.
How Multaq works in the bodyAtrial fibrillation causes your heart to beat abnormally fast, which can lead to a stroke. Dronedarone works by blocking certain electrical signals that cause your heart to beat too fast. It targets different ion channels in the heart, including potassium, sodium, and calcium channels, to slow down the heart rate and restore a normal rhythm. Dronedarone also prolongs the refractory period of the heart, helping to prevent further arrhythmias.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested amount of Multaq is contingent upon the identified affliction, such as Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Fibrillation. The dose fluctuates, in line with the technique of delivery (e.g. Tablet or Tablet, film coated - Oral) featured in the accompanying table.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Atrial Fibrillation
, 400.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
, 400.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Atrial Fibrillation
, 400.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Warnings
Multaq has twelve contraindications, so it should not be used when one has any of the conditions recorded in the following table.Multaq ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Sick Sinus Syndrome
Do Not Combine
Pulmonary toxicity
Do Not Combine
Hepatotoxicity NOS
Do Not Combine
Heart failure
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Severe Hepatic Impairment
Do Not Combine
QT >500 ms
Do Not Combine
Atrial Fibrillation
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Bradycardia
Do Not Combine
PR interval >280 ms
Do Not Combine
third degree AV block
Do Not Combine
Common Multaq Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Alfuzosin
Major
Dronedarone may increase the hypotensive activities of Alfuzosin.
Amitriptyline
Major
Dronedarone may increase the QTc-prolonging activities of Amitriptyline.
Amoxapine
Major
Dronedarone may increase the QTc-prolonging activities of Amoxapine.
Bendamustine
Major
The serum concentration of Bendamustine can be increased when it is combined with Dronedarone.
Binimetinib
Major
The serum concentration of Binimetinib can be increased when it is combined with Dronedarone.
Multaq Toxicity & Overdose RiskTests have shown that it takes more than 2000mg/kg for dronedarone to be toxic to rats. In people, it usually takes an overdose to cause toxicity. If someone has taken too much of this drug, their heart rate and blood pressure should be monitored. Treatments to help with symptoms should also be started.
Multaq Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Multaq?
180 active trials are being conducted to assess the potential of Multaq to provide relief from Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Tachycardia and Atrial Flutter.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Atrial Fibrillation
148 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 1, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Atrial Fibrillation
11 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
6 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2
Multaq Reviews: What are patients saying about Multaq?
5Patient Review
7/29/2016 I took this medication as directed, and while I had every symptom except for a rash, it was similar to the stomach flu. I was bloated, gassy, and running to the toilet constantly. Thankfully, it only lasted a few days.
5Patient Review
4/12/2018 I had to have two ablations before finally finding relief. The second one worked, but only after being put on Multaq. I've been off of blood thinners for a while now and have never experienced any side effects from this medication. It's been great.
5Patient Review
2/10/2016 I've been managing my Afib with Multaq for almost a year now. It can be tough on the stomach at first, but it's worth it for how much better I feel overall.
5Patient Review
6/18/2018 This drug has helped me immensely. I have a mechanical heart valve and also suffer from atrial fibrillation, but this medication has allowed me to live my life without constant pain and fatigue.
5Patient Review
4/28/2017 I've been using Multaq for about eight months to treat my paroxysmal afib. So far, I haven't had a single episode of afib that I'm aware of. The only side effect is an occasional metallic taste in my mouth. This year, I'll be going on Medicare Part D, so checking the formulary for this expensive drug will be a priority.
5Patient Review
3/17/2016 I've been taking this for almost a year now with no side effects. I would prefer it if it were in capsule form, though.
4.7Patient Review
12/20/2018 At first I experienced some side effects, but now I hardly notice them. This medication does increase my hunger, though, so I have to be careful not to gain weight. It's also very expensive--I don't know what I'll do when my money runs out.
4.3Patient Review
9/30/2018 I've had afib for five years and was originally on amiodarone, which did help but I worried about potential side effects. So, I switched to Multaq about two years ago under my doctor's care. It's worked well with just a couple breakthrough afib episodes. However, I am now having a lot of vision problems and I'm wondering if they might be related to either Multaq or Amiodarone—or both.
4.3Patient Review
10/22/2015 I've been taking Multaq for three years, and it's really helped me by significantly reducing the number of atrial fibrillation episodes I experience. The diarrhea can be managed with Metamucil, but hair loss is unfortunately a common side effect. It's also quite expensive, which is tough for seniors on Medicare who often fall into the "doughnut hole" prescription coverage gap.
4.3Patient Review
2/21/2019 This has been working well for me in preventing A-Fib and tachycardia. I've only experienced a metallic taste in my mouth as a side effect, which is manageable.
4.3Patient Review
4/2/2020 I've been on Multaq for a year and it has successfully prevented me from having any more episodes of atrial fibrillation. The only downside is that you have to take it with a meal, which can be inconvenient.
3.7Patient Review
12/14/2016 After a few other treatments failed, my EP prescribed this. It made me very nauseous at first (to the point of not being able to stand the smell of food), but that only lasted for four days. Here's hoping it works!
2.3Patient Review
8/31/2015 The side effects of this medication were really terrible. I was only on it for a month before I stopped taking it because I felt so awful. Nausea, weakness, and itching were all constant problems.
1.7Patient Review
9/13/2022 I started experiencing negative effects by day three, including diarrhea and fatigue. I wasn't told that this medication needed to be taken with food, which explains why I felt so terrible.
1.3Patient Review
4/20/2016 Diarrhea has been a near-constant issue since starting this medication, to the point where I've had to give up tennis. I'm also exhausted most of the time, which is really unusual for me. Additionally, I've gained 15 pounds in 5 months - not what I was hoping for! As far as benefits go, I haven't noticed any improvement in my afib episodes.
1.3Patient Review
11/10/2017 I was placed on this for 90 days, during which time I had to be cardioverted twice. When I tried exercising, it put me back into afib. The other big issue I had with this treatment was terrible diarrhea!
1Patient Review
3/17/2021 After taking Rythmol for years with no avail, the doctor then had me try Multaq. Unfortunately, this only made my symptoms worse. I tried cardioversion and that didn't work either. Now it looks like I may have to consider ablation, even though I'm hesitant about it.
Patient Q&A Section about multaq
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What does the drug Multaq do?
"MULTAQ is an FDA-approved tablet that could help keep the heart beat in a normal rhythm. This may help patients who have paroxysmal or persistent AFIB have more days without an AFIB episode."
Answered by AI
Is Multaq as good as amiodarone?
"Dronedarone is a safer alternative to amiodarone, but it is not as effective."
Answered by AI
Is Multaq effective for AFIB?
"Multaq was found to be more effective than placebo at preventing atrial fibrillation in the first three studies, which involved 1,411 patients. The main measure of effectiveness was how long the treatment prevented an attack of atrial fibrillation or the change in the patients' heart rate after two weeks."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of taking Multaq?
"The most common side effects when taking MULTAQ are stomach problems, feeling tired and weak, and skin problems."
Answered by AI