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Cordarone for Atrial Fibrillation
Cordarone® (amiodarone hydrochloride) is a medication prescribed to treat a certain type of life-threatening heart rhythm (ventricular arrhythmia).
However, there may be times when a healthcare provider prescribes this medicine for "off-label," or unapproved, uses. For example, taking Cordarone for atrial fibrillation is considered an off-label use of this medication.
As a Class III antiarrhythmic medication, Cordarone works by blocking potassium channels in the heart, preventing potassium from leaving the cells of the heart muscle. This action prolongs the time that the heart will respond to a new electrical signal. This helps prevent the heart from receiving a premature signal that is trying to tell the heart to beat too soon.
(For more details, click Cordarone Uses. This article takes an in-depth look at what this medicine is approved for and explains whether children can use it.)

Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD