Is amiodarone safe for treatment of atrial fibrillation?

Amiodarone is an excellent drug. It has been around for about 18 years and it has made a dramatic impact in the lives of patients with arrhythmias. However, the drug does possess several adverse effects, which you need to know. Amiodarone is often given to patients after open-heart surgery who develop atrial fibrillation. For short-term treatment, it is the best drug there is in the pharmacopeia. It works fast and converts the rhythm to normal sinus rapidly. For long-term treatment of atrial fibrillation, there is cause for concern. Amiodarone has many side effects and most physicians are reluctant to prescribe it for prolonged use.  When patients are prescribed amiodarone for long-term use, they need to be closely monitored. If you are on amiodarone and not followed closely by your doctor for adverse effects, you need to change your doctor.