Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

Dronedarone belongs to a class of medications called antiarrhythmics, used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. It works by correcting the rhythm of your heartbeat and slowing your heartbeat if it is beating too fast. 

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without first checking with your healthcare professional.
• This medication should be taken with or after food. 

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose. 

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You have other heart problems, examples include:
  • Heart failure (weak heart) 
  • Irregular heart. rhythm (e.g. permanent atrial fibrillation, heart block, slow heartbeat).
• You have kidney or liver problems.
• You had liver or lung problems when taking another antiarrhythmic medication called amiodarone.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies. 

What are some common side effects of this medication?

Some possible side effects may include one or more of the following:

• Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, indigestion.
• Feeling weak or tired.

Inform your healthcare professional if any of these symptoms do not go away and are bothersome to you.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

It is very important that you are on regular follow-up with your doctor to monitor for any possible side effects. Inform your healthcare professional if you have any of the following side effects.
 

Dronedarone may worsen existing abnormal heart rhythm, which may be dangerous. Symptoms of abnormal heart rhythm include one or more of the following: 

• Irregular heartbeat (e.g. slowed heartbeat or palpitations).
• Severe dizziness or fainting spells

Very rarely, dronedarone may cause other serious unwanted side effects. These side effects and their symptoms include: 

• Liver problems – symptoms include dark urine, light-coloured stools, feeling very tired or sick, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
• Lung problems – symptoms include breathlessness, cough that does not go away and fever.
• Kidney problems – symptoms include little or no urination.
• New or worsening heart failure – symptoms include sudden, unexplained increase in weight, shortness of breath, or swelling in the ankles or legs.

Lastly, the signs of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue.
• Difficulty in breathing.
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Avoid taking grapefruit when you are taking this medication as grapefruit may interact with your medication and increase the risk of side effects.
 

Some medications may interact with dronedarone and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. However, these medications may also be important for the treatment of conditions, such as infections or other chronic illnesses. Inform your healthcare professional of the other medications you are currently taking. Examples include: 

• Cyclosporine, a medication for suppression of the immune system 
• Medications for viral infections (e.g. ritonavir) 
• Medications for bacterial infections (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin) 
• Medications for fungal infections (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
   

If you intend to take any over-the-counter medications, supplements, herbal remedies or traditional medications, consult your healthcare professional first to confirm that it is safe to take with dronedarone.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on March 2025