Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic, iodine-rich drug that is commonly used for a wide variety of cardiac arrhythmias. Amiodarone causes a wide range of adverse effects including skin pigmentation, corneal deposits, and complications of the liver and lungs. There can also be alterations of thyroid function.

Skin effects – Blue-gray pigmentation of sun-exposed skin is common. Skin effects also include vasculitis and photosensitivity (30%-50% of patients on amiodarone). Skin pigmentation can develop 6 months to 5 years after beginning therapy.

Ocular effects – Amiodarone will induce mitochondrial deposits in the deep epithelial layer of the cornea. These deposits will form a whorl-like epitheliopathy called "corneal verticillata," or vortex keratopathy. The deposits are barely visible without the aid of a slit lamp and rarely result in any reduction in vision or ocular discomfort. The corneal verticillata are typically found on routine eye exam and are not an indication for discontinuation of the medication. Most patients using amiodarone will develop corneal deposits. Upon discontinuation of the medication, the deposits typically resolve.

Thyroid effects – Adverse events include either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism with skin manifestations of myxedema.