Risk factors for developing amiodarone lung

When amiodarone was first introduced, doses were larger and up to 10% of patients treated developed lung complications. Lower maintenance doses have reduced the frequency of serious adverse effects.

The risks for developing amiodarone lung include:

• total lifetime dose of amiodarone:
  • daily dose in excess of 400 mg for several months
  • several years of a lower dose
    
    
• pre-existing lung damage