Generic Amiodarone

Available in the form of tablets or injections, generic amiodarone products are available and prescribed to treat serious heart rhythm problems. These products are made by various manufacturers and come in a number of strengths. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration tested the generic versions of amiodarone and has determined that they are as good as the brand-name products.

Is There a Generic Amiodarone?

Amiodarone (Cordarone^®, Pacerone^®, Nexterone^®) is a prescription medication approved to treat certain types of life-threatening heart rhythm problems known as ventricular arrhythmias. It belongs to a group of medicines known as antiarrhythmics.

Amiodarone tablets are available in brand-name and generic versions. Cordarone, one brand of amiodarone tablets, is made by Sanofi Winthrop Industrie and distributed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Another brand, Pacerone, is made by Upsher-Smith Pharmaceuticals.

Baxter Healthcare Corporation makes Nexterone (amiodarone premixed injection). Nexterone comes premixed so, unlike other forms of amiodarone injections, it does not have to be mixed prior to use.

Generic amiodarone tablets and injections are made by several different manufacturers. Cordarone used to be available as an injection; however, the injectable form is no longer manufactured. Currently, regular amiodarone injections are only available in generic form. Unlike Nexterone, these generic versions of amiodarone injections must be mixed with 5% dextrose in water (D5W) before use.