Multaq

Atrial Fibrillation, Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Fibrillation

Treatment

6 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Multaq

What is Multaq

Dronedarone

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Dronedarone 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.

Multaq

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

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 6 uses which include Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF) and Atrial Fibrillation .

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF)

Helps manage Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF)

Atrial Fibrillation

Helps manage Atrial Fibrillation

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Helps manage Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Atrial Fibrillation

Helps manage Atrial Fibrillation

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Helps manage Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF)

Atrial Fibrillation

Helps manage Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Effectiveness

How Multaq Affects Patients

Dronedarone 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 body

Atrial 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 - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet - Oral, Tablet

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

, 400.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet - Oral, Tablet

Atrial Fibrillation

, 400.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet - Oral, Tablet

Warnings

Multaq has twelve contraindications, so it should not be used when one has any of the conditions recorded in the following table.

Multaq Contraindications

Condition

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

Long QT Syndrome

Do Not Combine

Atrial Fibrillation

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Bradycardia

Do Not Combine

PR interval >280 ms

Do Not Combine

Atrioventricular Block

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Multaq.

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 Risk

Tests 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.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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

10 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

10 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4

Atrial Fibrillation

94 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 1, Phase 3, Early Phase 1

Multaq Reviews: What are patients saying about Multaq?

5

Patient Review

7/29/2016

Multaq for Prevention of Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation

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.

5

Patient Review

4/12/2018

Multaq for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

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.

5

Patient Review

2/10/2016

Multaq for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

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.

5

Patient Review

6/18/2018

Multaq for Prevention of Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation

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.

5

Patient Review

4/28/2017

Multaq for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

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.

5

Patient Review

3/17/2016

Multaq for Prevention of Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation

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.

4.7

Patient Review

12/20/2018

Multaq for Prevention of Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation

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.

4.3

Patient Review

9/30/2018

Multaq for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

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.

4.3

Patient Review

10/22/2015

Multaq for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

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.

4.3

Patient Review

2/21/2019

Multaq for Prevention of Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation

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.

4.3

Patient Review

4/2/2020

Multaq for Prevention of Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation

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.

3.7

Patient Review

12/14/2016

Multaq for Prevention of Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation

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!

2.3

Patient Review

8/31/2015

Multaq for Prevention of Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation

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.

1.7

Patient Review

9/13/2022

Multaq for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

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.

1.3

Patient Review

4/20/2016

Multaq for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

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.

1.3

Patient Review

11/10/2017

Multaq for Prevention of Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation

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!

1

Patient Review

3/17/2021

Multaq for Prevention of Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation

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.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

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

Clinical Trials for Multaq

Image of Northwestern University in Chicago, United States.

Exercise Program for Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure

60 - 99
All Sexes
Chicago, IL

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are very common conditions that often occur together and result in worsening symptoms and reduced quality of life (QoL). Limitations being able to participate in activities of daily living is a primary complaint for AF-HFpEF patients, yet effective strategies to address this issue remain limited. While exercise interventions targeting aerobic training (AT) are recommended for patients with AF and HFpEF, unique challenges exist in this patient population who tend to be older. Specifically, many older patients with AF and HFpEF have muscle weakness, sarcopenia and frailty, that can make aerobic-focused exercise difficult and less tolerable. This study proposes that starting with progressive resistance training (PRT) before aerobic exercise may overcome these issues by improving muscle strength, making AT more manageable, and leading to better health outcomes. The goal of this study is to assess whether a sequential exercise program, named 'PREACTIVE' improves how people feel, decrease the amount of symptoms, and their ability to participate in exercise and activities. This study will specifically test a sequenced exercise approach of resistance training followed by aerobic exercise to improve symptoms, and quality of life in AF-HFpEF.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Northwestern University

Deepika Laddu, PhD

Image of Inova Alexandria Hospital in Alexandria, United States.

Heparin Dosing for Blood Clots and Heart Conditions

18+
All Sexes
Alexandria, VA

The goal of this clinical trial study is to test whether a mathematical calculation, using the patient's gender, weight and kidney function, can better predict a patient's heparin goal dose than a flat number of units per patient weight can. Participants will have the first dose of heparin infusion calculated, after which if adjustments are needed, the Hospital's prebuilt table for results driven dosing for this purpose is used. The researchers will compare the time it takes for the participants to get to the desired goal using the patient's information for calculation versus patients in the past who received the medication using the flat rate. The hypothesis is that the patients with enhanced personal data, gender, weight and kidney function, included for the initial dose, will get to their goal lab value sooner and with less chance of delay or overshooting the goal. A quicker time to goal lab value is beneficial to patients in many ways, including earlier treatment of the clot or coronary issue that the patient is experiencing.

Phase 4
Waitlist Available

Inova Alexandria Hospital

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REGN7508 + REGN9933 for Atrial Fibrillation

18+
All Sexes
Fremont, CA

This study is researching experimental drugs called REGN7508 and REGN9933. The study is focused on participants who have atrial fibrillation, which means that the heart beats too fast and unevenly. REGN7508 and REGN9933 are designed to help stop blood clots forming in patients with atrial fibrillation. The aim of the study is to see how well REGN7508 and REGN9933 work in patients that get medicine for their atrial fibrillation. The bleeding effects of REGN7508 and REGN9933 will be compared to another medicine (apixaban), which is available on the market to treat and prevent formation of blood clots. The study is looking at several other research questions, including: * What side effects may happen from taking REGN7508 or REGN9933 * How well do the study drugs reduce the risk of having a stroke * How much of REGN7508 or REGN9933 is in the blood at different times * Whether the body makes antibodies against REGN7508 or REGN9933 (which could make the drugs less effective or could lead to side effects)

Phase 2
Recruiting

Mission Cardiovascular Research Institute (+19 Sites)

Clinical Trial Management

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

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Metabolic Surgery for Atrial Fibrillation

18 - 80
All Sexes
Cleveland, OH

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. It is estimated that between 3 and 6 million Americans are currently living with AF, while 12 million people in the United States will have AF in 2030. Obesity and its comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are major risk factors for development and progression of AF. Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS) is the most effective currently available treatment for obesity. Patients typically lose 20 to 35 percent of body weight after surgery which is often sustained for many years. MBS can improve all 5 major risk factors of AF including obesity, hypertension, T2DM, OSA, and systemic inflammation. The purpose of the study is to understand if MBS can affect the severity of AF and the toll AF's symptoms take on patients.

Phase 4
Waitlist Available

The Cleveland Clinic

Ali Aminani

Ethicon, Inc.

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Cardiac CT Angiography for Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter

18+
All Sexes
Ottawa, Canada

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to learn whether patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (AF) who require heart imaging to rule out a blood clot before cardioversion would benefit from cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCT) in the emergency department (ED) compared to current standard of care management. This will be a multicenter trial evaluating whether CCT-facilitated cardioversion in the ED reduces hospital admission, reduces repeat presentations to hospital and improves patient quality of life compared to the current standard of care. Participants will undergo CCT-facilitated cardioversion or be treated according to current standard of care while in the ED and complete quality of life questionnaires in the ED and follow-up at 30 days.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus

Benjamin Chow, MD PhD FRCPC FACC FESC FA

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Alcohol Abstinence for Atrial Fibrillation

18+
All Sexes
San Francisco, CA

Per the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 85% of all American adults consume alcohol. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, affecting more than 10 million individuals in U.S., comprising 4.5% of the adult population. Although alcohol abstinence clearly reduces AF in heavy drinkers, observational data comparing the health effects of limited consumption versus abstention are conflicting. The Mediterranean diet is one of the few that has demonstrated clear cardiovascular benefits in a randomized study-this diet allows for the consumption of red wine (or high polyphenol/ low alcohol alcohol), generally not more than one drink in 24 hours, with meals, avoiding spirits and binge drinking. The effect of the "Mediterranean drinking pattern" on AF risk compared to alcohol abstinence remains unknown. This single center, randomized, controlled trial aims to compare the effects of a digital health intervention to encourage durable alcohol abstinence versus allowing guideline-adherent moderate alcohol consumption on AF severity. The knowledge gained from this study may be used to determine optimal thresholds for alcohol use among AF patients.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus

Gregory M Marcus, MD, MAS

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