Is amiodarone good for heartburn?
Three cases are reported in which resolution of severe esophagitic dyspepsia followed amiodarone therapy for cardiac arrhythmias. This effect has proved long lasting. The mechanism of amiodarone action may be related to its calcium antagonist or nitratelike properties that reduce lower esophageal sphincter tone. An alternate hypothesis calls attention to structural similarities between amiodarone and the histamine antagonist ranitidine, and suggests a previously unrecognized action of amiodarone on histamine receptors.
Martin
D
D
Department of Nutrition, Harvard University School of Public Health, Brookline, MA 02146.
Lown
B
B
D000368:Aged; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D006356:Heartburn / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000638:Amiodarone