Uses
Sotalol is used to treat irregular heartbeats. Sotalol is in a class of medications called antiarrhythmics. It works by acting on the heart muscle to improve the heart’s rhythm.
Side Effects Of Sotalol
Sotalol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- excessive tiredness
- headache
- constipation
- diarrhea
- upset stomach
- muscle aches
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- shortness of breath or wheezing
- swelling of the feet and lower legs
- chest pain
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking sotalol:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sotalol or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for migraine headaches, diabetes, asthma, allergies, colds, or pain; other medications for high blood pressure or heart disease; reserpine; and vitamins.
- if you are taking an aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids (Maalox, Mylanta), take them at least 2 hours before or after sotalol.
- in addition to the condition listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or liver disease; asthma or other lung diseases; disease of the blood vessels; severe allergies; diabetes; or an overactive thyroid gland.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking sotalol, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking sotalol.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
Sotalol Dosage
Sotalol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Sotalol (Betapace) is usually taken twice a day and sotalol (Betapace AF) is usually taken once or twice a day. Take sotalol consistently, either with food or without food each time. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take sotalol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Sotalol controls your condition but does not cure it. Continue to take the medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking sotalol without talking to your doctor. If sotalol is stopped suddenly, it may cause chest pain or heart attack.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to sotalol. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate). Ask your pharmacist or doctor to teach you how to take your pulse. If your pulse is faster or slower than it should be, call your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
