<unk>  has numerous side effects. Most individuals<unk> ministered<unk>  on a chronic basis will experience at least one side effect. Lung A chest X-ray demonstrating pulmonary fibrosis due to<unk> . Side effects of<unk>  include various pulmonary effects. The most serious reaction that is due to<unk>  is interstitial lung disease. Risk factors include high cumulative dose, more than 400 milligrams per day, duration over two months, increased age, and preexisting pulmonary disease. Some individuals were noted to develop pulmonary fibrosis after a week of treatment, while others did not develop it after years of continuous use. Common practice is to avoid the agent if possible in individuals with decreased lung function. The most specific test of pulmonary toxicity due to<unk>  is a dramatically decreased DLCO noted on pulmonary function testing. Thyroid Induced abnormalities in thyroid function are common. Both under- and overactivity of the thyroid may occur.<unk>  is structurally similar to thyroxine and also contains iodine. Both of these contribute to the effects of<unk>  on thyroid function.<unk>  also causes an anti-thyroid action, via Wolff–Chaikoff effect, due its large amount of iodine in its molecule, which causes a particular "cardiac hypothyroidism" with bradycardia and arrhythmia. Thyroid function should be checked at least every six months. * Hypothyroidism (slowing of the thyroid) occurs frequently; in the SAFE trial, which compared<unk>  with other medications for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, biochemical hypothyroidism (as defined by a TSH level of 4.5-10 mU/l) occurred in 25.8% of the<unk> -treated group as opposed to 6.6% of the control group (taking placebo or sotalol). Overt hypothyroidism (defined as TSH >10 mU/l) occurred at 5.0% compared to 0.3%; most of these (>90%) were detected within the first six months of<unk>  treatment. * Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid, due to the Jod-Basedow effect) can also occur. However, in the SAFE trial, the increased rate of hyperthyroidism (5.3% compared to 2.4%) was not significant. Most hyperthyroid patients (defined as TSH<unk>  structure.Amiodarone Thyroxine.Thyroxine Eye Corneal micro-deposits (cornea verticillata, also called vortex or whorl keratopathy) are almost universally present (over 90%) in individuals taking<unk>  longer than 6 months, especially doses greater than 400 mg/day. These deposits typically do not cause any symptoms. About 1 in 10 individuals may complain of a bluish halo. Anterior subcapsular lens deposits are relatively common (50%) in higher doses (greater than 600 mg/day) after 6 months of treatment. Optic neuropathy, nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (N-AION), occurs in 1-2% of people and is not dosage dependent. Bilateral optic disc swelling and mild and reversible visual field defects can also occur. Loss of eyelashes has been linked to<unk>  use. Liver Abnormal liver enzyme results are common in patients on<unk> . Much rarer are jaundice, hepatomegaly (liver enlargement), and hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). Low-dose<unk>  has been reported to cause pseudo-alcoholic cirrhosis. Skin Long-term<unk> ministration of<unk>  (usually more than eighteen months) is associated with a light-sensitive blue-grey discoloration of the skin, sometimes called ceruloderma; such patients should avoid exposure to the sun and use sunscreen that protects against ultraviolet-A and -B. The discoloration will slowly improve upon cessation of the medication, however, the skin color may not return completely. Pregnancy and breastfeeding Use during pregnancy may result in a number of problems in the infant including thyroid problems, heart problems, neurological problems, and preterm birth. Use during breastfeeding is generally not recommended though one dose may be okay. Other Long-term use of<unk>  has been associated with peripheral neuropathies.<unk>  is sometimes responsible for epididymitis.<unk>  accumulates in the head of the organ and can cause unilateral or bilateral inflammation. It tends to resolve if<unk>  is stopped. Some cases of gynecomastia have been reported with men on<unk> . A study published in 2013 showed a possible association between<unk>  and an increased risk of cancer, especially in males, with a dose-dependent effect.
Amiodarone
Ibutilide
Colestilan
Flecainide
Verapamil
Acecainide
Sotalol
Dofetilide