How should this medicine be used?
Sotalol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Sotalol (Betapace) is usually taken twice a day and sotalol (Betapace AF) is usually taken once or twice a day on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after or 1 hour before breakfast and your evening meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take sotalol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Sotalol controls your condition but does not cure it. Continue to take sotalol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking sotalol without talking to your doctor. If sotalol is stopped suddenly, it may cause chest pain or heart attack.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking sotalol,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sotalol or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for migraine headaches, diabetes, asthma, allergies, colds, or pain; other medications for high blood pressure or heart disease; reserpine; and vitamins.
* if you are taking aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids (Maalox, Mylanta), take them at least 2 hours before or after sotalol.
* in addition to the condition listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or liver disease; asthma or other lung disease; disease of the blood vessels; severe allergies; diabetes; or an overactive thyroid gland.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking sotalol, call your doctor.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking sotalol.
* you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
* remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from sotalol are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
* dizziness
* lightheadedness
* excessive tiredness
* headache
* constipation
* diarrhea
* upset stomach
* muscle aches
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
* shortness of breath or wheezing
* swelling of the feet and lower legs
* chest pain
