Sotalol 80mg

Antiarrhythmic Agent, Beta-Blocker

“Alert: Black Box Warning

Life-threatening proarrhythmia:

To minimize the risk of drug-induced arrhythmia, initiate, reinitiate, or uptitrate sotalol in a facility that can provide cardiac resuscitation and continuous ECG monitoring. Sotalol can cause life threatening ventricular tachycardia associated with QT interval prolongation.”

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Sotalol, Betapace is a beta blocker with both Class II and III properties.  The Class II effects of Sotalol, Betapace can account for the reduction in heart rate, AV node conduction.  The Class III effects are seen only at oral doses ≥160 mg daily and are responsible for the prolongation of the atrial and ventricular monophasic action potentials, and effective refractory prolongation of atrial muscle, ventricular muscle, and atrioventricular accessory pathways in both the antegrade and retrograde directions.

Atrial fibrillation/flutter, ventricular arrhythmias

Before starting Sotalol, Betapace make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.  Sotalol, Betapace should be used with caution if you have bronchospastic disease, conduction abnormalities, diabetes, heart failure, renal impairment, and thyroid disease because of its capacity to exacerbate symptoms.

Oral: 80mg to 160mg twice daily.

How to Take: Can take with or without food.

Bradycardia, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, headache, asthenia, dyspenia.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Sotalol, Betapace only common ones.

1. Why am I so tired since starting Sotalol, Betapace?
   It is a common side effect that is not harmful and after 2 weeks or so it should subside as it adjusts to the medication.  It is important to try and give the medication at least 2 weeks if fatigue is an issue as it usually will resolve.  If side effects are intolerable speak to your physician, do not discontinue medication without their consent as this can be a vital medication to take for many conditions.
2. Why does exercise exhaust me so much more since starting this medication?
   Blocking cardiac output can lower your exercise tolerance as the heart cannot pump as hard or fast as it used to in response to exercise.  This is normal and helps protect the heart from overworking itself in many cardiac conditions.