All of the following are side effects of Amiodarone except –
**Core Concept**
Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic medication used to treat various types of irregular heartbeat. Its side effect profile is complex due to its lipophilic nature and long half-life, leading to tissue accumulation and potential toxicity.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Amiodarone's side effects are primarily due to its iodine content and lipophilic properties, which cause pulmonary fibrosis, hepatotoxicity, and thyroid dysfunction. The medication's long half-life allows for extensive tissue accumulation, particularly in the liver, lungs, and thyroid gland. This leads to a range of side effects, including corneal deposits, skin discoloration, and neuropathy.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis is a well-documented side effect, which occurs due to thyroid gland stimulation by the drug's iodine content. This leads to increased thyroid hormone production, causing symptoms such as weight loss, heat intolerance, and tachycardia.
**Option B:** Pulmonary fibrosis is a known side effect of Amiodarone, characterized by scarring of lung tissue, leading to respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough.
**Option C:** Corneal deposits are a common side effect of Amiodarone, resulting from the drug's lipophilic properties and accumulation in the cornea, which can cause visual disturbances and corneal ulcers.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
To differentiate between Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis and hyperthyroidism due to other causes, assess the patient's recent medication history and perform thyroid function tests, including TSH and free thyroid hormones.
**Correct Answer: A.**
Amiodarone-induced bradycardia is not a well-documented side effect, and the medication is more commonly associated with tachycardia.