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Amiodarone Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Amiodarone Propranolol Verapamil
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Amiodarone Propranolol Verapamil

Amiodarone should ONLY be used in the treatment of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias that have not responded to other treatments. Amiodarone does not appear to increase life expectancy and can... View more

Propranolol is mainly used for blood pressure and angina control; however, it also has a role in migraine prevention and the treatment of essential tremor. Propranolol may cause vivid dreams and is... View more

Verapamil can help regulate the heart rate and lower blood pressure and is used to treat certain heart conditions. Constipation is the most common side effect of verapamil and it may interact with... View more

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More about Amiodarone More about Propranolol More about Verapamil
Generic Status

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available
Availability

Prescription only

Prescription only

Prescription only
Ratings & Reviews

Amiodarone has an average rating of 4.9 out of 10 from a total of 86 ratings on Drugs.com. 41% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 47% reported a negative effect.

Propranolol has an average rating of 8.2 out of 10 from a total of 1228 ratings on Drugs.com. 77% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 12% reported a negative effect.

Verapamil has an average rating of 7.8 out of 10 from a total of 167 ratings on Drugs.com. 74% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 15% reported a negative effect.

View all 86 reviews

View all 1228 reviews

View all 167 reviews

Drug Class
Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: hypersensitivity pneumonitis, interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary toxicity, pulmonary alveolitis, hypotension, corneal deposits, ataxia, blurred vision, decreased visual acuity, dermatological reaction, gastrointestinal signs and symptoms, peripheral neuropathy, photophobia, phototoxicity, skin photosensitivity, visual halos around lights, xerophthalmia.

See the full amiodarone side effects document.

See the full propranolol side effects document.

Commonly reported side effects include: sinus bradycardia.

See the full verapamil side effects document.
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 100 each
Dosage 200 mg
Per Unit* $0.31 - $0.61
Cost* $31.18 - $61.04

View all amiodarone prices

Quantity 50 each
Dosage 20 mg
Per Unit* $0.32
Cost* $15.82

View all propranolol prices

Quantity 2 mL
Dosage 2.5 mg/mL
Per Unit* $10.07
Cost* $20.13

View all verapamil prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

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Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Intravenous solution
  • Oral tablet
  • Intravenous solution
  • Oral capsule, extended release
  • Oral solution
  • Oral tablet
  • Intravenous solution
  • Oral capsule, extended release
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, extended release
Brand Names
Nexterone, Pacerone Hemangeol, Inderal LA, Inderal XL, InnoPran XL Calan SR, Verelan, Verelan PM
Half Life The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

240 hours

6.4 hours

12 hours
CSA Schedule** View glossary of terms
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
Pregnancy Category
D
Category D Positive evidence of risk

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 666 drugs are known to interact with amiodarone:

  • 296 major drug interactions (1005 brand and generic names)
  • 338 moderate drug interactions (1327 brand and generic names)
  • 32 minor drug interactions (88 brand and generic names)

A total of 530 drugs are known to interact with propranolol:

  • 41 major drug interactions (198 brand and generic names)
  • 442 moderate drug interactions (2888 brand and generic names)
  • 47 minor drug interactions (597 brand and generic names)

A total of 581 drugs are known to interact with verapamil:

  • 110 major drug interactions (346 brand and generic names)
  • 428 moderate drug interactions (2648 brand and generic names)
  • 43 minor drug interactions (106 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Amiodarone may be taken with or without food but should be taken at the same way each time. You... View more
  • Food can enhance the levels of propranolol in your body. You shoud take propranolol at the same... View more
  • You may take verapamil with or without food, but take it the same way every time. You should avoid... View more
  • Ask your doctor before using verapamil together with alcohol. Verapamil may increase the blood... View more
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

December 24, 1985

November 13, 1967

March 08, 1982
WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A
More Information
Patient resources
Professional Resources
Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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