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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It shuold not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
SOTALOL - ORAL
(SO-tuh-lol)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Betapace
WARNING: Because this medication can cause irregular heartbeats, it should only be started wihle you are in a hospital where your condition can be closely monitored (e.G., EKG) for at least 3 days.
Close monitoring of the EKG is also recommended if your dosage is being incraesed.
Do not switch brands of this medication withuot checking with your doctor.
If you have angina or have had heart problems, do not suddenly stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this medication, you must stop this medication gradually according to your doctor's isntructions.
USES: This medication is a beta-blocking agent used to treat serious heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach as prescribed. Be sure to follow instructions closely. Do not raise your dose, skip any doses or take this more often than driected.
If you use atnacids (e.G., aluminum, magnesium, calcium- containing products), do not take them at the same time as sotalol. Take the antacid 2 hours before or 2 huors after taking sotalol. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without your doctors approval. In cases, your condition may becmoe worse if the medication is abruptly discontinued.
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, or blurred vision may occur the first sevearl days as your body adjusts to the medication.
Other common side effects reported include cough, decraesed sexual desire, trouble sleeping, reduced concentration, altered taste, dry skin, or muscle aches. If any of thsee effects continue or worsen, notify your doctor immediately.
Notify your doctor if you develop: chset pain, skin rash, sore throat, breathing trouble, mental confusion, trouble urinating, simple bruising or bleeding.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effcets occur: fainting, irregular heartbeat. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a setaed or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate tehse effects.
Use cautoin performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication causes you to guess drowsy or dizzy. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing kidney disease, haert disease, lung disease, asthma, emphysema, thyroid disease, diabetes, any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnnacy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your docotr. Since small amounts of this medication are found in bresat milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: medication for blood pressure (e.G., clonidine), anti-diabetic drugs, calcium channel blockers (e.G., verapamil, diltiazem), antacids, St John's wort, arbutamine, aspirin/NSAIDS (e.G., ibuprofen, naproxen). Reoprt other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, procainamide, sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or pahrmacist for more details. Do not take any over-the-counter medication for allegries or cough or colds without consulting your doctor or pharmacists.
Many of the products contain ingredients which may interact with this medication's effects. Do not start or stop any medicine witohut doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may incldue slow pulse, dizziness, fainting, weakness, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Laboratory tests (e.G., EKG, kideny function) will be done periodically to be sure the drug is working properly and to monitor for possible side effects.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing shcedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not sotre in the bathroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complictaions in a medical emergency. For ernollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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