What is Sotalol?
Sotalol is a beta blocker that alters the heart's circulation and blood flow within the ventricles and atrium (the chambers in the lower and upper chambers within the heart that let blood flow through and out of).
Sotalol can be used to keep the heart running normally in patients suffering from certain irregular heartbeats, like atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and heart tachycardia.
Sotalol can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this medication guideline.
Side effects of Sotalol
Contact a medical professional immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face.
Sotalol could cause severe adverse reactions. Consult your physician immediately if you experience:
- Chest pain;
- Heartbeats that are fast or rapid; blood fluttering through your chest;
- Suddenly dizzy (like it could be a sign that you're passing out);
- Heartbeats that are slow (especially when you feel lightheaded);
- Swelling and weight gain,
- Feeling a bit breathless.
Common side effects of sotalol include:
- Slow heartbeats;
- Breathing problems;
- Dizziness;
- Feeling tired or weak.
The following isn't an exhaustive list of the possible reactions, as other consequences could also occur. Consult your physician for medical advice about adverse effects. If you notice any of these symptoms, report them to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
It is not recommended to take sotalol when you suffer from asthma, low potassium, or a severe heart problem like extreme heart disease, long QT syndrome, or slow heartbeats that can cause you to feel faint, "sick sinus syndrome," or "AV block" (unless you are wearing pacemakers).
You'll receive your first doses of sotalol at a hospital where your heart is checked in case the medication has serious adverse side effects.
Before you Take this Drug
Do not take sotalol if your body is allergic to the drug or if you suffer from:
- A serious heart issue that is serious, such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you are a patient with an implanted pacemaker);
- Long QT syndrome (in the case of you or a relative);
- Severe heart failure;
- Low heart rates have led the patient to fall unconscious.
- Asthma or any other breathing disorder;
- Extremely low levels of potassium found in your blood.
- (If you use sotalol for atrial flutter or fibrillation, kidney disease is severe;
Do not give sotalol to a child without medical guidance.
Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Kidney disease (or if you're taking dialysis);
- An electrolyte imbalance (such as low concentrations of magnesium or potassium within your blood);
- Congestive heart failure;
- Coronary arteriatric disorder (hardened coronary arteries);
- Breathing issues like asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema;
- An thyroid disorder;
- Diabetes (using sotalol may make it difficult for you to determine if you're suffering from insufficient levels of blood sugar);
- An extreme allergic reaction that is severe.
Consult your physician if you are expecting.It is not recommended to breastfeed with sotalol.
How to Take Sotalol?
Follow the directions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instructions. Your doctor may alter your dosage. Follow the medication precisely as directed.
Sotalol oral is taken through the mouth. Sotalol injections are administered as an injection into the vein. The healthcare professional will give the injection if you are not able to take the medication by mouth.You'll receive your first doses of sotalol in a hospital setting, where your heart is monitored to determine if the medicine can cause severe adverse effects.
If you are already taking heart rhythm medications, You may have been able to discontinue taking the medication before you began using sotalol. Follow the instructions of your physician.
Make sure to measure the liquid medicine with care. Make use of the syringe for dosing or a dosage-measuring device (not an ordinary spoon).
Sotalol dosages are based on the age of the child and body surface area (height as well as weight) when it comes to children. The dose requirements of your child could be altered if your child increases, loses weight, or is still growing.
Contact your physician if you are suffering from diarrhoea or notice a rise in thirst, a decrease in appetite, or sweating more than normal. It is possible to become dehydrated when taking sotalol. This can result in lower blood pressure as well as a significant electrolyte imbalance or kidney failure.You'll require frequent medical examinations. The function of your heart may have to be assessed by using an electrocardiograph (sometimes also referred to as an EKG). You could also require heart function tests 1 to 2 weeks following the last dose.
Use this medication as prescribed, regardless of whether you feel well. It is possible that you will have to take sotalol for the rest of your life.Do not miss doses or stop taking sotalol without consulting your physician. Stopping suddenly may cause your condition to get worse. Follow your doctor's advice on tapering your dose.If you are in need of surgery, inform your doctor that you are currently taking this medication.
Storage at room temperature, free of heat and moisture. Make sure that you do not allow the medicine to become frozen.Your pharmacist could make a suspension (liquid) version of sotalol for oral use. Store the suspension at room temperature and eliminate any suspension leftover after three months of usage.
What Happens if I Miss the Dose?
Don't miss the dose you missed, and take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take two doses at once.
Make sure you don't take any doses that you aren't supposed to. Make sure you refill your prescription before running out of medication completely.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency treatment or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of the drug sotalol could be fatal.
What Should be Avoided?
Be sure to avoid taking antacids within 2 hours prior to or 2 hours after taking sotalol. Certain antacids may make it more difficult for your body to absorb sotalol.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Inform your doctor about all other medications, particularly:
- Other heart medication;
- Medications for blood pressure
- Insulin or oral diabetes medication.
This list isn't complete. Other drugs can interact with sotalol, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed here.
