Sotalol (patient information)

IMPORTANT WARNING
Sotalol can cause irregular heartbeats. For the first three days you take sotalol, you will have to be in a facility where your heart can be monitored. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.

Betapace and Betapace AF are used for different types of irregular heartbeats and should not be used interchangeably. Make sure your doctor knows which product you have been taking.

Why this medication is prescribed
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.

How this medication should be used
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 on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after or 1 hour before breakfast and your evening meal. 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 sotalol 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 uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special 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 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 disease; 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.

Special dietary instructions
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Minor Side Effects
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

Severe Side Effects
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

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information
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.

Brand names

 * Betapace AF®
 * Betapace®
 * Sorine®