Multaq

Atrial Fibrillation, Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Fibrillation

Treatment

6 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Multaq

Treatment for

Atrial Fibrillation

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

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Multaq Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Multaq

Dronedarone

2009

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Dronedarone, also called Multaq, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses which include Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and Atrial Fibrillation .

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Helps manage Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Atrial Fibrillation

Helps manage Atrial Fibrillation

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF)

Helps manage Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF)

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 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 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 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.

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

93 Actively Recruiting

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

Multaq Reviews: What are patients saying about Multaq?

5Patient 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.

5Patient 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.

5Patient 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.

5Patient 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.

5Patient 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.

View All Reviews

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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