Sotalol is administered in the presence of some abnormal heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation) in order to maintain a regular frequency.

 

What is Sotalol?

 

Sotalol is an antiarrhythmic. It works by promoting the maintenance of the regular heartbeat.

 

How should Sotalol be taken?

 

Sotalol is administered orally (usually in the form of tablets or solution) or by injection directly into a vein.

 

Side effects associated with Sotalol

 

Sotalol can lead to QT prolongation; the risk of possible serious heartbeat irregularities is greater in women. It can also affect the results of some laboratory tests and the levels of blood sugar and mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia in people with diabetes as well as those of hyperthyroidism.

 

Among the other possible side effects are included:

 

  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness

 

It is important to contact a doctor immediately if Sotalol triggers any of the following symptoms:

 

  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Swelling of face, eyes, lips, tongue or throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Tightness or chest pain
  • Fainting
  • Rapid or slowed heartbeat
  • New or worsening cardiac irregularities
  • Dizziness or severe or persistent tiredness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sudden and unmotivated weight gain
  • Swelling of the hands, ankles, legs, feet
  • Unusual sweating

 

Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Sotalol

 

The treatment with Sotalol is not suitable for all abnormal heartbeats; additionally, some heart problems and other conditions – such as low levels of potassium or magnesium, severe kidney disorders, asthma or other respiratory problems as well as a pacemaker – may contraindicate the drug.

 

Moreover, Sotalol should not be taken along with other antiarrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants, or any medicine that increases the risk of QT prolongation.

In the case of treatment with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, it is necessary to take them at least 2 hours before or after taking Sotalol.

 

Intake of Sotalol may compromise the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery, especially in concomitant use with alcohol or other drugs. Besides alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase the risk of dizziness and fainting associated with treatment, especially in the morning when you get up out of bed.

 

Before starting treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:

 

  • You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other medicines, foods, or any other substance
  • You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, in particular, other antiarrhythmics, calcium channel blockers, clonidine, digoxin, diuretics, guanethidine, reserpine, macrolides, ketolides, phenothiazines, quinolones, tricyclic antidepressants, beta agonists, epinephrine, insulin and other medicines against diabetes
  • You have recently taken an antiarrhythmic
  • You suffer (or have suffered) from other heart disorders, respiratory or lung problems, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, problems with blood flow and the electrolyte within it (such as potassium or magnesium) or acid levels or bases in the body, low pressure, low blood sugar and adrenal tumors
  • You have planned a surgery
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding

 

You must inform doctors, surgeons and dentists about ongoing treatment with Sotalol prior to any procedure.

 

Lastly, the intake of the drug should never be stopped without the doctor's consent.