2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Dosage must be individualized based on severity of arrhythmia and response. Use the lowest effective dose. Obtain baseline chest x-ray, pulmonary function tests, thyroid function tests, and liver aminotransferases. Correct hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalcemia before initiating treatment. Recommended Dosage Initiate treatment with a loading doses of 800 to 1600 mg/day until initial therapeutic response occurs (usually 1 to 3 weeks). Once adequate arrhythmia control is achieved, or if side effects become prominent, reduce amiodarone hydrochloride tablets dose to 600 to 800 mg/day for one month and then to the maintenance dose, usually 400 mg/day. Administration Administer amiodarone hydrochloride tablets consistently with regard to meals [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Administration of amiodarone hydrochloride tablets in divided doses with meals is suggested for total daily doses of 1000 mg or higher, or when gastrointestinal intolerance occurs. Initiate treatment with a loading doses of 800 to 1600 mg/day until initial therapeutic response occurs (usually 1 to 3 weeks). Once adequate arrhythmia control is achieved, or if side effects become prominent, reduce amiodarone hydrochloride tablet dose to 600 to 800 mg/day for one month and then to the maintenance dose, usually 400 mg/day ( 2 ).