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Amiodarone

Prescription

Class III Antiarrhythmic

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

4 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Prolongs action potential duration and effective refractory period by blocking potassium channels (Class III). Also has Class I (sodium channel), Class II (beta-blocking), and Class IV (calcium channel) properties.

At a glance

Class

Class III Antiarrhythmic

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for refractory ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias

Dose

10–15 mg/kg

Route

PO, IV

Frequency

q12h (loading) then q24h (maintenance)

🐈

Cat

Very limited feline data

Dose

5–10 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q24h

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength

—

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Hepatic enzymes q2–4 weeks initiallyThyroid panel q3–6 monthsECGChest radiographs annually

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 4

Digoxin

major

Amiodarone increases digoxin levels by 70-100% via P-glycoprotein inhibition, CYP3A4 inhibition, and reduced renal clearance.

Management: Reduce digoxin dose by 50% when initiating amiodarone. Monitor digoxin levels closely.

Diltiazem

major

Amiodarone + diltiazem: additive negative chronotropic and dromotropic effects. Risk of severe bradycardia and AV block.

Management: Avoid combination. If used, continuous ECG monitoring essential.

Propranolol

major

Amiodarone + beta-blocker: additive bradycardia and AV block. Amiodarone also inhibits beta-blocker metabolism.

Management: If combined, use lowest beta-blocker dose and monitor ECG closely.

Sotalol

major

Both prolong QT interval via different mechanisms (sotalol: Class III K+ channel; amiodarone: multi-class). Combined use markedly increases torsades de pointes risk.

Management: Avoid combination. If both antiarrhythmics needed, use under cardiologist supervision with continuous ECG monitoring.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Cordarone

Pacerone

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Amiodarone?

Amiodarone is a class iii antiarrhythmic used in pets. Prolongs action potential duration and effective refractory period by blocking potassium channels (Class III). Also has Class I (sodium channel), Class II (beta-blocking), and Class IV (calcium channel) properties.

›What is Amiodarone used for in pets?

Amiodarone is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for refractory ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias; Very limited feline data.

›What is the Amiodarone dose for dogs?

For dogs, Amiodarone is typically dosed as follows — Used for refractory ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias: 10–15 mg/kg PO/IV q12h (loading) then q24h (maintenance). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Amiodarone dose for cats?

For cats, Amiodarone is typically dosed as follows — Very limited feline data: 5–10 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Amiodarone need a prescription?

Yes. Amiodarone is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database