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 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):

You 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):

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

Anxiety
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 stomach
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:

If 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).

Sotalol (Betapace) What You Should Know