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Atrial fibrillation - Management
How should I monitor someone taking amiodarone?
- Amiodarone is always initiated in secondary care, where the following baseline assessments are performed:
- Thyroid function tests.
- Liver function tests.
- Serum electrolyte and urea measurement.
- Chest radiography.
- Electrocardiography.
- Regular monitoring is required for the following:
- Thyroid function tests — every 6 months and for 12 months after discontinuation.
- Seek specialist advice if thyroid function tests are abnormal.
- Liver function tests — every 6 months.
- Serum electrolyte and urea measurement — every 6 months.
- Electrocardiography — every 12 months.
- The manufacturer recommends annual eye examinations; however, expert opinion suggests that these are only necessary for people with visual symptoms.
- Regular monitoring may be performed in primary or secondary care (depending on locally agreed shared care guidelines).
Basis for recommendation
These recommendations are based on published expert opinion [Vanderpump et al, 1996; DTB, 2003; BTA et al, 2006; London and South East Medicines Information Service et al, 2008] and the manufacturer's Summary of Product Characteristics [ABPI Medicines Compendium, 2009a].
- Eye examinations
- This recommendation is based on published expert opinion [DTB, 2003].
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