* Generic Name: sotalol
* Brand Name: Betapace
* What is sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
* What are the possible side effects of sotalol (Betapace,
Sorine, Sotylize)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
* How should I take sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
* What happens if I overdose (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
* What should I avoid while taking sotalol (Betapace, Sorine,
Sotylize)?
* What other drugs will affect sotalol (Betapace, Sorine,
Sotylize)?
* Where can I get more information (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
What is sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
Sotalol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and
circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).
Sotalol is used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with
certain heart rhythm disorders of the ventricles (the lower
chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart).
Sotalol is used in people with ventricular tachycardia or
ventricular fibrillation.
Another form of this medicine, called sotalol AF, is used to treat
heart rhythm disorders of the atrium (the upper chambers of the heart
that allow blood to flow into the heart). Sotalol AF is used in people
with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
Sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize) is not used for the same
conditions that sotalol AF (Betapace AF) is used for.
Sotalol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast
or pounding heartbeats;
* slow heartbeats;
* a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
* trouble breathing;
* severe diarrhea or vomiting, loss of appetite;
* dry mouth, unusual sweating, increased thirst; or
* swelling, rapid weight gain.
Common side effects may include:
* headache;
* dizziness;
* tired feeling; or
* slow heartbeats.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about sotalol (Betapace,
Sorine, Sotylize)?
You will receive your first few doses of sotalol in a hospital setting
where your heart can be monitored in case the medicine causes serious
side effects.
You should not use sotalol if you have asthma, certain serious
heart conditions, or a history of Long QT syndrome.
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sotalol
(Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to sotalol, or if
you have:
* a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV
block" (unless you have a pacemaker);
* severe heart failure (that required you to be in the hospital);
* asthma or other breathing disorder;
* low levels of potassium in your blood;
* severe kidney disease;
* a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome; or
* a history of slow heart beats that have caused you to faint.
To make sure sotalol is safe for you, tell your doctor about your other
medical conditions, especially:
* breathing problems such as bronchitis or emphysema;
* a history of heart disease or congestive heart failure;
* coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
* an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or
magnesium in your blood);
* diabetes;
* kidney disease;
* a thyroid disorder;
* a history of allergies; or
* if you have recently had a heart attack.
Sotalol is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Sotalol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You
should not breast-feed while you are using sotalol.
How should I take sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
You will receive your first few doses of sotalol in a hospital setting
where your heart can be monitored in case the medication causes serious
side effects.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take sotalol at the same time every day.
Do not skip doses or stop using sotalol without your doctor's advice.
Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. Follow your doctor's
instructions about tapering your dose.
Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
While using sotalol, you may need frequent blood tests. Your heart
function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG
(sometimes called an EKG).
You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medicine.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you
are sweating more than usual. Prolonged illness can lead to a serious
electrolyte imbalance, making it dangerous for you to use sotalol.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the doctor ahead of time
that you are using sotalol. You may need to stop using the medicine for
a short time.
Sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize) and sotalol AF (Betapace AF) are
not the same medicine. Always check your medicine when it is refilled
to make sure you have received the correct brand and type as prescribed
by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the
medicine given to you at the pharmacy.
If there are any changes in the brand or strength of sotalol you use,
your dosage needs may change.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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What happens if I miss a dose (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
your next dose is less than 8 hours away. Do not take extra medicine to
make up the missed dose.
Use sotalol regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription
refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
What happens if I overdose (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take
sotalol. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to
absorb sotalol.
What other drugs will affect sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
Many drugs can interact with sotalol. Not all possible interactions are
listed here. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you
start or stop using during treatment with sotalol, especially:
* digoxin;
* insulin or oral diabetes medicine;
* blood pressure medication; or
* any other medicine that contains sotalol.
This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with
sotalol. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines,
vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any
healthcare provider who treats you.
Where can I get more information (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about sotalol.
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