Sotalol (Betapace)
What You Should Know

Brand Name: Betapace

What is Sotalol (Betapace)?

The Information about Sotalol (Betapace) contained herein is a compilation of materials available from drugs.com and simplified for the average consumer.

sotalol betapaceSotalol also known by the brand name Betapace, is a beta blocker. Beta Blockers also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline.

When you take beta blockers, the heart beats more slowly and with less force, thereby reducing blood pressure. Beta blockers also help blood vessels open up to improve blood flow.

There are drug free alternatives to lowering your blood pressure that may be effective for you. Read about them here.

How to use Sotalol (Betapace):

  • liquidYou will receive your first few doses of Sotalol (Betapace) in a hospital setting where your heart can be monitored in case the medication causes serious side effects.
  • Use Sotalol (Betapace) as prescribed on your medication bottle. Do not take more or less or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
  • Take Sotalol (Betapace) every day at the same time.
  • 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.
  • You may need regular blood pressure  and EKG tests at your doctors office.
  • You may need to briefly stop using Sotalol (Betapace) before having surgery, so discuss with your surgeon.
  • You may have very low blood pressure while taking Sotalol (Betapace). 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 (Betapace).
  • Store Sotalol (Betapace) at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
  • If you miss a dose of Sotalol (Betapace), 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.
  • Do not skip doses or stop taking Sotalol (Betapace) without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
  • 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.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Sotalol (Betapace).

What to know before using Sotalol (Betapace):

If you are taking any of the below drugs, discuss with your doctor before taking Sotalol (Betapace):medication

  • digoxin
  • insulin or oral diabetes medicine
  • blood pressure medication
  • any other medicine that contains Sotalol (Betapace).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Sotalol (Betapace). Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

If any of the following conditions apply to you, discuss with your doctor before taking Sotalol (Betapace):

  • Allergy to Sotalol (Betapace)
  • 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
  • a history of slow heart beats that have caused you to faint
  • 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
  • if you have recently had a heart attack.
  • pregnant
  • breast feeding

Side effects of Sotalol (Betapace):

Get emergency medical help immediately if any of these serious side effects occur while taking Sotalol (Betapace):

Symptoms of overdose

  • Anxietydepression
  • cold sweats
  • cool, pale skin
  • depression
  • increased hunger
  • nightmares
  • seizures
  • shakiness
  • slurred speech

Stop using Sotalol (Betapace) and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • Blurred vision
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • confusion
  • difficult or labored breathing
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • fast, slow, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
  • lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
  • nausea and vomiting
  • sweating
  • swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
  • tightness in the chest
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Abdominal or stomach pain or swelling
  • body aches or pain
  • burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles”, or tingling feelings
  • cough or hoarseness
  • decreased alertness
  • difficulty with speaking
  • dilated neck veins
  • double vision
  • extreme fatigue
  • feeling of warmth or heat
  • fever or chills
  • flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
  • headache
  • inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
  • inability to speak
  • irregular breathing
  • joint pain or swelling
  • loss of voice
  • lower back or side pain
  • nervousness
  • noisy breathing
  • painful, burning, or difficult urination
  • pounding in the ears
  • slow speech
  • weight gain
  • Fast breathing
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin

Less serious side effects may include:

  • Acid or sour stomachstomach pain
  • difficulty with sleeping
  • heartburn or indigestion
  • pain in the arms or legs
  • Changes in vision
  • decreased sexual performance or desire
  • loss of appetite
  • mood changes
  • night blindness
  • passing gas
  • skin rash
  • weight changes
  • Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • hair loss or thinning of the hair
  • itching skin
  • muscle aching or cramping
  • muscle pains or stiffness
  • quick to react or overreact emotionally
  • sensation of spinning
  • severe sunburn

The information about Sotalol (Betapace) comes from drugs.com

Sotalol (Betapace) Natural Alternatives:

tikvawithdrinkIf you are taking Sotalol (Betapace) or other beta blocker medications, the various ingredients  in Tikva have been proven through either clinical trials or other research to lower your blood pressure naturally by dilating (widening) the arteries. Tikva does not act as a beta blocker, as it does not slow down your heart.

Several of the ingredients in Tikva can also increase circulation, dissolve plaque that is already in the arteries and reduce new plaque from forming. In addition, there are ingredients in Tikva to help reduce stress that often increases blood pressure without all of the side effects.
Read more about the natural ingredients in Tikva on our research and ingredients page, by clicking here.

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The information provided on this page should not be used to decide whether or not to take Sotalol (Betapace) or any other medicine. Consult your doctor to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition.

This information about Sotalol (Betapace) is a brief summary and does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Sotalol (Betapace).

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must speak with your doctor for complete information about the risks and benefits of using Sotalol (Betapace).