Brand Names: Betapace, Sorine

Generic Name: sotalol (Pronunciation: SOE ta lol)

• 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 is sotalol (Betapace)?

Sotalol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Sotalol is used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with certain heart rhythm disorders of the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart). Sotalol is used in people with ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.

Another form of this medicine, called Sotalol AF, is used to treat heart rhythm disorders of the atrium (the upper chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow into the heart). Sotalol AF is used in people with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Sotalol (Betapace and Sorine) is not used for the same conditions that sotalol AF (Betapace AF) is used for.

Sotalol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Betapace 120 mg

oblong, blue, imprinted with BETAPACE, 120 MG

Betapace 160 mg

oblong, blue, imprinted with 160MG, BETAPACE

Betapace 240 mg

oblong, blue, imprinted with 240MG, BETAPACE

Betapace 80 mg

oblong, blue, imprinted with BETAPACE, 80 mg

Sotalol 120 mg-APO

oblong, white, imprinted with APO, SOT 120

Sotalol 120 mg-EON

oblong, blue, imprinted with E170

Sotalol 120 mg-MYL

round, peach, imprinted with M 310

Sotalol 120 mg-TEV

oblong, white, imprinted with 93 1060

Sotalol 160 mg-APO

oblong, white, imprinted with APO, SOT 160

Sotalol 160 mg-MYL

round, peach, imprinted with M 314

Sotalol 160 mg-TEV

oblong, white, imprinted with 93 62

Sotalol 240 mg-APO

oblong, white, imprinted with APO, SOT 240

Sotalol 240 mg-EON

oblong, blue, imprinted with E174

Sotalol 240 mg-TEV

oblong, white, imprinted with 93 63

Sotalol 80 mg-APO

oblong, white, imprinted with APO, SO 80

Sotalol 80 mg-EON

oblong, blue, imprinted with E171

Sotalol 80 mg-GLO

oblong, blue, imprinted with 27 11, G

Sotalol 80 mg-MYL

round, peach, imprinted with M 305

Sotalol 80 mg-TEV

oblong, white, imprinted with 93 61

What are the possible side effects of sotalol (Betapace)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• slow heartbeat;
• unusual sweating, increased thirst; or
• swelling, rapid weight gain.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;
• headache;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Betapace (sotalol) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about sotalol (Betapace)?

You will receive your first few doses of sotalol in a hospital setting where your heart rhythm can be monitored, in case the medication causes serious side effects.

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.

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.

If you need to have any type of surgery, you may need to temporarily stop using sotalol. Be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using sotalol.