Nexterone

Generic name:amiodarone (injection) [ A-mi-OH-da-rone ]
Drug class:Group III antiarrhythmics

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Nov 4, 2020.

What is Nexterone?

Nexterone is an antiarrhythmic medication that affects the rhythm of heartbeats.

Nexterone injection is used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with life-threatening heart rhythm disorders of the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart). Nexterone is used to treat or prevent ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.

Nexterone injection is for use only in life-threatening situations.

Warnings

Nexterone injection is for use only in life-threatening situations. You will receive this medicine in a hospital setting.

You should not receive Nexterone if you are allergic to amiodarone or iodine, or if you have a serious heart condition such as "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker), a history of slow heart beats, or if your heart cannot pump blood properly.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive Nexterone if you are allergic to amiodarone or iodine, or if you have:

• certain serious heart conditions, especially "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker);
• a history of slow heart beats that have caused you to faint; or
• if your heart cannot pump blood properly.

If possible before you receive Nexterone injection, tell your doctor if you have:

• breathing problems or lung disorder;
• liver disease;
• vision problems;
• high or low blood pressure;
• a thyroid disorder;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
• if you have recently been ill with vomiting or diarrhea;
• if your heart rhythm disorder has recently become worse; or
• if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted in your chest.

In an emergency situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers about your health conditions. Make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows you have received this medicine.

Amiodarone may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while receiving Nexterone.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with Nexterone injection to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received Nexterone.

How is Nexterone injection given?

Nexterone is given as an infusion into a vein. Nexterone injection is often given directly into a large vein in the upper chest (central IV line). You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting where your h...