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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
23:33
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Dronedarone: a safety comparison to amiodarone.
James R Clem1, Debra K Farver, Janet R Fischer
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, South Dakota State University College of Pharmacym 4801 North Career Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57107, USA. James.clem@sdstate.edu
Current Drug Safety
|March 10, 2010
Summary
Dronedarone, a new antiarrhythmic drug for atrial fibrillation, shows efficacy with a better safety profile than amiodarone. Further comparison trials are needed to fully establish its long-term benefits and risks.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Dronedarone is a novel Class III antiarrhythmic agent approved for nonpermanent atrial fibrillation.
- It is structurally similar to amiodarone but lacks the iodine component, potentially offering a different safety profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of dronedarone.
- To compare dronedarone's profile with that of amiodarone.
Main Methods:
- Review of investigational clinical trials and existing literature on dronedarone.
- Analysis of chemical structure, antiarrhythmic effects, and pharmacokinetic data.
Main Results:
- Dronedarone demonstrates established efficacy compared to placebo.
- It exhibits a seemingly minimal adverse effect profile, appearing safer than amiodarone, though long-term human data is limited.
- Contraindicated in advanced heart failure; potential for increased serum creatinine and drug interactions noted.
Conclusions:
- Dronedarone is a promising agent for nonpermanent atrial fibrillation with a potentially improved safety profile.
- Further comparative trials against established antiarrhythmics and long-term human studies are necessary to fully elucidate its role and risks.
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