What characteristic does the half-life of amiodarone possess?

Amiodarone is known for its exceptionally long half-life, which can range from several days to weeks due to its extensive tissue accumulation and lipophilicity. This property is significant because it affects the drug's dosing regimen and duration of action, leading to a prolonged effect even after cessation of administration. When patients are started on amiodarone, it can take time for the drug to reach its therapeutic levels and, conversely, it can take a considerable duration for the effects to diminish once it is discontinued. The prolonged half-life necessitates careful monitoring for potential side effects and interactions, as any increases in drug levels can have a significant impact on cardiac functioning. This characteristic distinguishes amiodarone from many other antiarrhythmic medications, which typically have shorter half-lives and hence different pharmacokinetic profiles.