Why does amiodarone cause pulmonary toxicity?

Amiodarone may induce the production of toxic O2 radicals, which can directly damage cells (9). It also appears to promote the accumulation of phospholipids in tissues (9). Typically, the lungs of patients with APT show a diffuse interstitial pneumonitis on microscopic inspection (Figure 1).

How is amiodarone toxicity tested?

Amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity is a diagnosis of exclusion. Pulmonary evaluation with chest X-ray and pulmonary function testing, including diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide is recommended when amiodarone is started.

Can amiodarone cause lung problems?

Several forms of pulmonary disease occur among patients treated with amiodarone, including interstitial pneumonitis, eosinophilic pneumonia, organizing pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), pulmonary nodules and solitary masses, and also (rarely) pleural effusion.

Can amiodarone cause a cough?

Amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity is induced after the long-term use of the FDA-approved drug Amiodarone, a medicine used to control rapid heartbeat that starts in the lower chamber of the heart. Symptoms may include progressive dyspnea, dry cough and pleuritic chest pain.

How is amiodarone overdose treated?

Amiodarone lung toxicity is a diagnosis of exclusion, and treatment includes simply withdrawing amiodarone, though steroids can be used in severe cases. A majority of patients improve significantly once amiodarone is stopped.

Can you check amiodarone levels?

The therapeutic plasma amiodarone levels usually range between 1.5 and 2.5 µg/ml. Measuring tissue levels of amiodarone or DEA is not possible non-invasively.

What are the signs that pulmonary fibrosis is getting worse?

After many years, the scarring in your lungs gets worse, and you might have:

• A dry, hacking cough that doesn’t go away.
• Chest pain or tightness.
• Leg swelling.
• Loss of appetite.
• Shortness of breath, especially when you walk or do other activities.