Sotalol (SOE-ta-lol)

Treats heart rhythm problems. This medicine is a beta blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Betapace, Betapace AF, Sorine, Sotylize

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Your pharmacist may prepare the tablets to make an oral liquid. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about this.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Contact your doctor or pharmacist before your supply of this medicine starts to run low. Do not allow yourself to run out of medicine.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you are also using other medicine for heart rhythm problems (including amiodarone, disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine)
• Some foods and medicines can affect how sotalol works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:
  • Albuterol, clonidine, digoxin, guanethidine, isoproterenol, reserpine, terbutaline
  • Blood pressure medicines (including diltiazem, verapamil)
  • Insulin or oral diabetes medicine
  • Medicine to treat depression
  • Medicine to treat an infection
  • Phenothiazine medicine (including chlorpromazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, thioridazine)
• If you are taking an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium hydroxide, take it 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take sotalol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, angina, low blood pressure, lung or breathing problems, thyroid problems, or a history of heart attack.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with Betapace®.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of heart failure
  • Heart rhythm problem, including QT prolongation
  • Changes in blood sugar levels
• This medicine may cover up signs of low blood sugar in patients with diabetes or who are fasting (including surgery, not eating regularly, vomiting).
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand up slowly if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, cough, trouble breathing
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting
• Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness
• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea
• Increased sweating
• Tiredness or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088