Pharmaceutical Formulations of Amiodarone: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

Discovered in 1961, Amiodarone [(2-butylbenzofuran-3-yl 4-(2-diethylaminoethoxy)-3,5-di-iodophenyl ketone)] (AMI) is a cationic amphiphilic molecule which belongs to class III antiarrhythmic drugs and therefore, it is used in the treatment of a wide range of cardiac arrhythmias. Severe adverse effects are provoked by this drug due to its accumulation in other organs than the heart. In addition, further adverse effects are also produced by some of the excipients used to increase its stability and solubility in the pharmaceutical carriers. These non-active substances play a crucial role in the formulations and therefore, an appropriate selection of them and the techniques used for the  Corresponding Author formulations development could avoid or decrease the occurrence of adverse effects. Consequently, it is necessary to work on the evolution of pharmaceutical dosage forms of AMI in order to improve the life quality of treated patients. There is a large list of approved formulations of AMI, among them: oral tablets, oral solutions and solutions for intravenous infusion. Currently, liposomes and nanoparticles loaded with AMI have been developed. In this context, this book chapter deals with the state of art of AMI formulations and the perspectives for future dosage forms.