Sotalol
Molecule Description
Sotalol is an antiarrhythmic medicine. It corrects the irregularity of heartbea
t.
Uses of Sotalol
- Used in patients with a fast heartbeat
- Used in patients with irregular heart rate
Contraindications of Sotalol
When should one not use Sotalol
- There is a history of any allergic reaction with this medicine in the past
- Patients with low blood pressure
- Patients with a very slow heart rate
- Patients with a history of asthma (difficulty in breathing)
- Patients with kidney failure
- Patients suffering from metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis
- Patients suffering from a condition causing discolouration (white or purple) of the hands and feet (Raynaud's syndrome)
Side effects of Sotalol
Common side effects of this drug are:
Side effects which might be seen with this medicine include headache, indigestion, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, tiredness, slow heart rate, pain in chest, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, disturbance in sleep cycle, pain in arms and legs, decreased sexual ability, anxiety, depression, mood changes, tingling in feet and hands (pins and needles), fever, rash, hearing problems, problems with vision, changes in the way things taste....
Precautions and Warnings of Sotalol
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Sotalol during pregnancy?
A:
You should not take Sotalol during pregnancy unless your doctor thinks it is essential.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Sotalol while breastfeeding?
A:
It is not advised to do breastfeeding during this course of medication.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Sotalol?
A:
It does not impair the driving ability but the patient should be careful if he/ she experiences a feeling of light-headedness or dizzy.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Sotalol?
A:
It is not advisable to consume alcohol if the patient is taking Sotalol, although a moderate amount of alcohol does not affect much.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
Take Sotalol at the same time every day. Take medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for a more extended period than the recommended schedule.
Mode of Action of Sotalol
How Does It Work?
This medicine uniformly prolongs the action potential duration in heart tissues. Its beta-blocking activity causes a reduction in heart rate and a limited decrease in the force of contraction of the heart. Like other beta-blocking medicines, Sotalol produces a gradual but significant reduction in blood pressure in high BP patients. With a single daily dose, you can maintain the control of blood pressure for 24 hours....
Interactions of Sotalol
Interactions with other medicines
- Medicines for the treatment of high blood pressure, heart failure or an irregular heartbeat (e.g. Digoxin, Amiodarone, Verapamil, Disopyramide, Quinidine, Procainamide, and Bepridil)
- Antidepressants like Terfenadine, Astemizole, Erythromycin, Halofantrine, Pentamidine, and Quinolone antibiotics
- Floctafenine (a medicine used for the short term treatment of mild to moderate pain)
- Calcium channel blockers e.g. Verapamil and Diltiazem
- Diuretics (water tablet), Corticosteroids, Amphotericin IV and some laxatives as these lower potassium levels
- Clonidine (sometimes used to treat headaches)
- Insulin and other oral medicines for diabetes
- Tubocurarin, Salbutamol (used in the treatment of asthma or emphysema)
- Medicines for the treatment of allergies such as hay fever (e.g. antihistamines)
Interactions with food items
It has interactions with alcohol and multivitamins with minerals.
Dietary Restrictions of Sotalol
You should follow the low-sodium diet. Avoid drinking tea or coffee with Sotalol because caffeine can decrease the effectiveness of the medicine.
Dosage of Sotalol
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include severe dizziness, fainting, unusually slower/ faster/ more irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath. The patient should consult the doctor as soon as possible.
Missed a Dose
If you miss taking a dose, do not worry, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Then continue as before. Do not take a double dose to make up for the skipped dose....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Ravi Kakarla
MBBS, MBA
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking this medicine?
A: You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to it or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Discuss all your medical conditions and allergies. Also, tell the lists of medications you are already taking.
Q: Which lab test should I monitor during this course of medication?
A: Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor sodium and potassium level, blood sugar level, kidney function and lung function while you are taking Sotalol medicine.
Q: Can I take this medicine along with tea?
A: Patients should avoid drinking tea or coffee with Sotalol as caffeine can decrease the effectiveness of the drug.
Q: What should I avoid while taking Sotalol?
A: The patient should avoid taking an antacid 2 hours before or after you take Sotalol because some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb it.
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