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Amiodarone pulmonary toxicity — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardAdverse Drug Reactions and Drug SafetyAmiodarone pulmonary toxicityGPhC CRA

A 64-year-old man takes amiodarone 200mg daily for rhythm control. He reports progressive breathlessness and dry cough over six weeks. His oxygen saturation is 93% and he has lost 4kg unintentionally. What monitoring is required?

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Correct answer: C — Urgent prescriber review for possible amiodarone pulmonary toxicity and appropriate investigations.

Amiodarone can cause pulmonary toxicity, including pneumonitis or fibrosis, which may present with progressive breathlessness, cough and weight loss. This requires urgent medical assessment rather than routine reassurance. Amiodarone also requires thyroid and liver monitoring, but the respiratory presentation is the immediate concern.

Reference: BNF