What is Sotalol?
Sotalol, also known as Betapace, is a medication that is used to treat and prevent abnormal heart rhythms. Due to the potential serious side effects, it is only recommended for those with significant abnormal heart rhythms. Long-term use is not associated with a lower risk of death, according to the evidence.
Sotalol Uses
Sustained ventricular tachycardia is a serious (possibly fatal) type of fast heartbeat treated with this medication. It is also used to treat patients with severe symptoms such as weakness and shortness of breath who have fast/irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation/flutter). It can help to alleviate these symptoms. It reduces heart rate and allows the heart to beat more normally and consistently. This medication is a beta-blocker as well as an anti-arrhythmic.
How to use?
- Before you begin using this, and each time you get a refill, read the Patient Information.Take this medication orally, usually 1 to 3 times per day, as directed by your doctor. You can take it with or without food, but it's important to pick one way of taking medications and stick to it with each dose.
- If you are taking this medication in liquid form, carefully measure the dose with a special measuring device. You should not use a regular spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
- The dose is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment. Dosage is also determined by age and body size in children.
- Use this medication on a regular basis to achieve the desired results.
- If you take more of this medication than prescribed, it may increase your risk of side effects, including a new serious abnormal heartbeat. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not take less of this medication or skip doses. If you do not take it correctly, your fast/irregular heartbeat is more likely to return. Order your refills a few days ahead of time to avoid running out of pills.
Side effects:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Excessive tiredness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Swelling of the feet and lower legs
- Chest pain
Precautions
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other drugs, tell your doctor and pharmacist.
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, particularly those for migraine headaches, diabetes, asthma, allergies, colds, or pain; other medications for high blood pressure or heart disease; reserpine; and vitamins. If you take aluminum or magnesium-containing antacids (Maalox, Mylanta), wait at least 2 hours before or after taking this medicine.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.
- You should be aware that this medication may cause drowsiness. Do not operate heavy machinery or drive a vehicle until you know how this drug affects you.
- Keep in mind that alcohol can worsen the drowsiness caused by this drug.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
- This drug might pass into the breastmilk and it can affect the infant. Please inform the doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
Fingolimod is a product that may interact with this medication. Aside from this, many other drugs, such as amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, and macrolide antibiotics), can cause QT prolongation in the EKG. Some products contain ingredients that may cause your heart rate to increase. Tell your pharmacist about the products you're using and how to use them safely (especially cough and cold remedies, diet supplements, or NSAIDs like ibuprofen/naproxen).
Missed dose
If you forget to take one of the dosages, take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose and proceed with your daily schedule. To cope up with a missed dose, do not take a double dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions.
Storage
Exposure of medicine to heat, air, and light may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Sotalol vs Metoprolol
Sotalol |
Metoprolol |
|---|---|
| It is also known as Betapace, is a medication that is used to treat and prevent abnormal heart rhythms. | Metoprolol belongs to the beta-blocker class of medications. The brand name is Lopressor; it is a selective 1 receptor blocker. |
| This medication is prescribed to treat a serious type of fast heartbeat known as sustained ventricular tachycardia. It is also used to treat patients with severe symptoms such as weakness and shortness of breath who have irregular heartbeats. | It is used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain caused by poor blood flow to the heart, and a variety of conditions characterized by an abnormally fast heart rate. |
| It reduces heart rate and allows the heart to beat more normally and consistently. This medication is a beta-blocker as well as an anti-arrhythmic. | It improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate. |
