In this Article

• What is sotalol (Betapace)?
• What are the possible side effects of sotalol (Betapace)?
• What is the most important information I should know about sotalol (Betapace)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sotalol (Betapace)?
• How should I take sotalol (Betapace)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Betapace)?
• What happens if I overdose (Betapace)?
• What should I avoid while taking sotalol (Betapace)?
• What other drugs will affect sotalol (Betapace)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sotalol (Betapace)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to sotalol, or if you have:

• asthma;
• certain heart conditions, especially "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker);
• a history of "Long QT syndrome"; or
• severe or uncontrolled congestive heart failure.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take sotalol:

• breathing problems such as bronchitis or emphysema;
• a history of heart disease or congestive heart failure;
• diabetes;
• kidney disease;
• a thyroid disorder;
• an electrolyte imbalance such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood; or
• if you have recently had a heart attack.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to 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. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take sotalol (Betapace)?

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.

Take sotalol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

If there are any changes in the brand or strength of sotalol you use, your dosage needs may change. Betapace and Sorine are not used for the same conditions that Betapace AF is used for. 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.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Take sotalol at the same time every day.

Do not skip doses or stop taking sotalol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Tell your doctor if you have an illness that involves diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than a few hours. Prolonged diarrhea or vomiting can lower your potassium levels, making it dangerous for you to use sotalol.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Your heart and kidney function will also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using sotalol.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using sotalol. You may need to briefly stop using sotalol before having surgery.

Store sotalol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.