Brand Name(s): Betapace AF
Generic Name Sotalol tablets (Betapace AF)
What are sotalol tablets (Betapace AF™)?
SOTALOL (Betapace AF™) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Betapace AF™ is a brand of sotalol tablets given only to patients with an atrial heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) such as atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation happens when certain heart chambers beat too fast or irregularly. When this happens, you may feel weak and tired, or get out of breath easily. You may get an uncomfortable feeling in your chest and 'fluttering' or 'palpitations.' Sotalol can help your heart return to and maintain a normal rhythm. Generic sotalol AF tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm
•circulation problems, or blood vessel disease (such as Raynaud's disease)
•depression
•diabetes
•emphysema, or other lung disease
•heart disease or heart failure
•heart rhythm problems
•heart valve problems
•history of low levels of potassium or magnesium
•kidney disease
•low blood pressure
•muscle weakness or disease (such as myasthenia gravis)
•pheochromocytoma
•psoriasis
•thyroid disease
•an unusual or allergic reaction to sotalol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take sotalol tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You may take sotalol tablets with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, do not try to make up the missed dose. Take your normal dose at the next scheduled time. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with sotalol?
•amphetamine or other stimulant drugs
•antacids (such as Tums®, Rolaids®, Maalox®, and others)
•astemizole
•certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin
•cevimeline
•cisapride
•clonidine
•digoxin
•dofetilide
•furazolidone
•hawthorn or ginger
•linezolid
•liothyronine
•medicines for angina or high blood pressure
•medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
•medicines for diabetes
•medicines for mental depression or other mental problems
•medicines known as MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Carbex®, Eldepryl®)
•medicines to control heart rhythm
•procarbazine
•some medicines for weight loss (including some herbal products, ephedrine, dextroamphetamine)
•terfenadine
•water pills (diuretics)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking sotalol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•chest pain
•confusion
•changes in blood sugar if you have diabetes
•cold hands or feet
•difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
•dizziness or fainting spells
•fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain
•less appetite or more thirst than normal
•slow heart rate (fewer than 50 beats per minute)
•swelling of legs or ankles
•unusual sweating
•unusual weakness or tiredness
•vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•mental depression
•nausea
•sexual difficulties (impotence or decreased sexual urges)
•weakness or tiredness
What should I watch for while taking sotalol?
You will be started on Betapace AF™ in a specialized facility for the first two or more days of treatment for your heart rhythm problem. After this, visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking sotalol. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. Your prescriber or health care professional also may schedule regular blood tests and electrocardiograms to check your progress.
Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious, heart-related problems. Because your condition and the use of sotalol carry some risk, it is a good idea to carry an identification card, necklace or bracelet with details of your condition, medications, and prescriber or health care professional.
If you have fast or irregular beating of the heart with lightheadedness or fainting, contact your health care professional immediately for evaluation.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how sotalol affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks.
Sotalol can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
If you are going to have surgery (including dental surgery), tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking sotalol.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:09/30/2003 |
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