Why is Betapace prescribed?

Sotalol (Betapace) is prescribed to patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats in the lower heart chambers) and to patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter (irregular and often fast heart rate).

What does it do?

Ventricular arrhythmias cause the heart to beat irregularly and this affects the circulation of blood in the body. Atrial fibrillation causes irregular heartbeats that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other cardiac problems.

Sotalol is a class III anti-arrhythmic that works by regulating your heartbeat to improve your heart’s rhythm.

How should I take it?

Betapace is available in 80mg and 160mg tablets. It is intended for oral administration, with or without meals. Take it at the same time as prescribed and swallow it as a whole. Do not crush, chew, break it in half, or tamper the capsule in any way.

Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Betapace to ensure the best results. Only take the dose prescribed by your doctor and do not make alterations in the dosage or frequency when taking the medication.

Betapace only helps in controlling your condition. It does not treat it so do not stop taking Betapace even if you feel well. Stopping the medication abruptly may increase your risk for chest pain or heart attacks. Consult your doctor before you stop taking the medication.

When taking Sotalol for the first time, you will need to be in the hospital or a facility where your heart can be monitored. This is done to prevent problems that may arise and to carry out any dosage adjustments.

What if I missed a dose?

Taking the dose properly at the scheduled time is needed to attain the desired effect of the drug. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and catch the next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses just to make up for your missed dose.

What are the special precautions before taking Betapace?

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Sotalol, any component of Betapace, any other medications.

Inform your doctor of your past and present medical history if you have or have had kidney disease, heart or liver disease, asthma or lung diseases, diabetes, an overactive thyroid gland, or low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood.

Taking Sotalol may cause drowsiness. Avoid alcohol intake and doing activities that require your full attention such as driving or operating machinery until you feel it is safe to do so. Inform your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

When taking antacids containing Aluminium oxide or Magnesium hydroxide, wait for two hours before taking Sotalol to prevent interactions.

For the drug label information of Betapace, click here.

Does it have any side effects?

It is important to note that all drugs have corresponding side effects and adverse reactions. Additional information may be obtained when you ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects may include:
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach upset

Serious side effects may include:
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Extreme fatigue
• Fainting
• Lightheadedness
• Racing heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of the feet and lower legs

Is it safe to take it with another drug?

Some drug interactions may cause serious or life-threatening reactions when administered together. Immediately inform your doctor if you are taking Sotalol with any of the following medications:

• Adenosine
• Aluminum oxide
• Aminophylline
• Azithromycin
• Bedaquiline
• Biaxin
• Bromocriptine
• Cardizem
• Celexa
• Chlorpromazine
• Cipro
• Clonidine
• Doxorubicin
• Epinephrine
• Famotidine
• Geodon
• Haloperidol
• Magnesium hydroxide
• Norvasc
• Oxytocin
• Plaquenil
• Quinidine
• Ranolazine
• Tramadol
• Vasopressin
• Ventolin
• Xatral
• Zoloft
• Garlic (food)

Tell your doctor of any prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to prevent interactions with these medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for other possible interactions not listed within this section.

How should I store it?

Store Betapace at room temperature (25 °C) in a clean environment away from light and moisture. Do not keep it in the bathroom. Always keep it in the container it came in and keep it tightly closed. Keep out of reach from children and pets. Dispose medications that are no longer needed or expired. Do not discard it in the toilet or down the sink. Consult your pharmacist on the proper disposal of this medication.

What action should I take in case of overdose?

Overdose with Sotalol can cause congestive heart failure, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and low blood sugar. Be cautious in taking Sotalol because overdosing can be fatal. Immediately call emergency services and inform your doctor in the event of an overdose.

Is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of the use of Sotalol in pregnant women. As per the US FDA, it is categorized as Pregnancy Category B and should only be given to pregnant women if the benefit outweighs the possible risk to the fetus.

Sotalol has been found in breast milk and should not be used by breastfeeding mothers unless consulted with a doctor.

Consult your doctor before using this medication in pregnant women or in nursing infants.

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