Betapace

Betapace

     * Generic Name: sotalol
     * Brand Name: Betapace


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

What is sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?

   Sotalol is a beta-blocker that affects 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, Sorine, Sotylize) is not used for the same
   conditions that sotalol AF (Betapace AF) is used for.

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

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

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

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast
       or pounding heartbeats;
     * slow heartbeats;
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * trouble breathing;
     * severe diarrhea or vomiting, loss of appetite;
     * dry mouth, unusual sweating, increased thirst; or
     * swelling, rapid weight gain.

   Common side effects may include:
     * headache;
     * dizziness;
     * tired feeling; or
     * slow heartbeats.

   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.

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

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

   You should not use sotalol if you have asthma, certain serious
   heart conditions, or a history of Long QT syndrome.

   Betapace Patient Information including How Should I Take
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

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

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to sotalol, or if
   you have:
     * a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV
       block" (unless you have a pacemaker);
     * severe heart failure (that required you to be in the hospital);
     * asthma or other breathing disorder;
     * low levels of potassium in your blood;
     * severe kidney disease;
     * a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome; or
     * a history of slow heart beats that have caused you to faint.

   To make sure sotalol is safe for you, tell your doctor about your other
   medical conditions, especially:
     * breathing problems such as bronchitis or emphysema;
     * a history of heart disease or congestive heart failure;
     * coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
     * an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or
       magnesium in your blood);
     * diabetes;
     * kidney disease;
     * a thyroid disorder;
     * a history of allergies; or
     * if you have recently had a heart attack.

   Sotalol is not expected to harm 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. You
   should not breast-feed while you are using sotalol.

How should I take sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?

   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.

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Take sotalol at the same time every day.

   Do not skip doses or stop using sotalol without your doctor's advice.
   Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. Follow your doctor's
   instructions about tapering your dose.

   Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
   special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
   dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

   While using sotalol, you may need frequent blood tests. Your heart
   function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG
   (sometimes called an EKG).

   You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medicine.
   Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you
   are sweating more than usual. Prolonged illness can lead to a serious
   electrolyte imbalance, making it dangerous for you to use sotalol.

   If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the doctor ahead of time
   that you are using sotalol. You may need to stop using the medicine for
   a short time.

   Sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize) and sotalol AF (Betapace AF) are
   not the same medicine. 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.

   If there are any changes in the brand or strength of sotalol you use,
   your dosage needs may change.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Betapace Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   your next dose is less than 8 hours away. Do not take extra medicine to
   make up the missed dose.

   Use sotalol regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription
   refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?

   Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take
   sotalol. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to
   absorb sotalol.

What other drugs will affect sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?

   Many drugs can interact with sotalol. Not all possible interactions are
   listed here. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you
   start or stop using during treatment with sotalol, especially:
     * digoxin;
     * insulin or oral diabetes medicine;
     * blood pressure medication; or
     * any other medicine that contains sotalol.

   This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with
   sotalol. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines,
   vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any
   healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)?

   Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about sotalol.
     __________________________________________________________________

   Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
   children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
   medication only for the indication prescribed.
   Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by
   Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
   but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
   herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
   use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
   therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United
   States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
   Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
   recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
   resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
   for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
   supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill,
   knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a
   warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be
   construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe,
   effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume
   any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the
   aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is
   not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions,
   warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If
   you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
   doctor, nurse or pharmacist.