Key facts about Multaq
What is Multaq?
Multaq is the brand name for dronedarone oral tablets.
What dosages is Multaq available in?
Multaq is available as a 400 mg oral tablet.
What is Multaq used for?
Multaq is an antiarrhythmic drug used for the prevention of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AFib).
How does Multaq work?
Multaq is an antiarrhythmic. It works by blocking potassium channels, which play a major part in your heart’s electrical activity. Multaq slows down the electrical activity to help your rhythm stay in a normal ‘sinus’ rhythm and avoid going into atrial fibrillation (AFib) again.
How do I take Multaq?
Take 400 mg of Multaq by mouth twice daily with food. It is not for use in children under 18 years of age.
Is it safe for me to take Multaq?
Multaq is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have any of the following.
- Class IV heart failure or symptomatic heart failure with a recent decompensation
- Second- or third- degree atrioventicular (AV) block or sick sinus
syndrome (except when used in conj unction with a functioning pacemaker) - Bradycardia <50 bpm
- Concomitant use of a strong CYP3A inhibitor
- Concomitant use of drugs or herbal products that prolong the QT interval and may induce
- Severe hepatic impairment
- QTc Bazett interval ≥500 ms
- Pregnacy
- Lactation
Multaq Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Multaq:
- Abnormal kidney lab
- Delayed heart rhythm (QTc) on the EKG
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Skin reaction
- Abdominal pain
- Slow heart rate
Multaq Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Multaq. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Stroke: slurred speech, weakness on one side of your body, droopy face, blurred vision, difficulty walking
- Heart failure: shortness of breath, swelling, holding onto more water, coughing or wheezing, fast heart rate
- Liver damage: dark-colored urine, stomach pain, nausea, itching, yellowing of your skin or eyes
- Lung damage: cough, trouble breathing, chest pain or tightness
- Kidney damage: changes in urination, holding onto more water, swelling, shortness of breath, high blood pressure
- Delayed heart rhythm
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Multaq
The following medications may interact with Multaq:
- Antiarrhythmics: Avoid concomitant use
- Digoxin: Consider discontinuation or halve dose of digoxin before treatment and monitor
- Calcium channel blockers (CCB): Initiate CCB with low dose and increase after ECG verification of tolerability
- Beta-blockers: May provoke excessive bradycardia, Initiate with low dose and increase after ECG verification of tolerability
- CYP 3A inducers: Avoid concomitant use
- Grapefruit juice: Avoid concomitant use
- Statins: Follow label recommendations for concomitant use of certain statins with a CYP 3A and P-gP inhibitor like dronedarone
- CYP 3A substrates with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., sirolimus and tacrolimus): Monitor and adjust dosage of concomitant drug as needed when used with Multaq
- Warfarin: Monitor INR after initiating dronedarone in patients taking warfarin
Who makes Multaq?
Sanofi-Aventis U.S.
Is Multaq safe in pregnancy?
Multaq may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant
woman. Multaq is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant.
