Safely Buy Betapace ( Sotalol hydrochloride ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Betapace (sotalol) is an antiarrhythmic drug used to treat certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, including ventricular arrhythmias.

Betapace works by affecting the electrical impulses in the heart muscle and slowing down the heart rate. Consult with a healthcare provider before using Betapace to determine if it is the right treatment option and to closely monitor for any potential adverse effects.

Use and Dosage

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using sotalol and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 3 times a day. You may take it with or without food, but it is important to choose one way and take it the same way with each dose.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, dosage is also based on age and body size.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

If you use antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, do not take them at the same time as sotalol. These antacids can bind to sotalol and decrease its absorption and effectiveness. Separate doses of these antacids and sotalol for at least 2 hours to reduce this interaction.

Do not take more of this drug than prescribed because you may increase your risk of side effects, including a new serious abnormal heartbeat. Do not take less of this medication or skip doses unless directed by your doctor. Your fast/irregular heartbeat is more likely to return if you do not take sotalol properly. Also, do not run out of this medication. Order your refills several days early to avoid running out of pills.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

Antiarrhythmic drugs are powerful medications that can seriously affect the body and cause side effects that require medical attention. It is never a bad idea to report side effects to your doctor, even if you are experiencing side effects that are not dangerous.

Tell your doctor immediately if you encounter the following:

Cardiovascular Effects

• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Slowed heartbeat (bradycardia)
• Heart palpitations

Gastrointestinal

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal distension
• Loss of appetite
• Heartburn
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain (dyspepsia)

Respiratory

• Cough
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI)
• Infection or inflammation of airways (tracheobronchitis)

General

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Influenza
• Cold symptoms
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Insomnia
• General muscle pain

In many cases, some side effects do not need medical attention, including insomnia, heartburn, indigestion, changes in eyesight, weight fluctuations, mood swings, loss of appetite, and decreased libido. It may be beneficial to talk to your doctor anyway; as they may be able to help you manage less serious side effects and distinguish them from dangerous side effects.

Cautions

Before taking sotalol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain heart rhythm problems (such as a slow heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block unless you have a heart pacemaker), kidney problems, heart problems (such as heart failure, recent heart attack), breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), serious allergic reactions needing treatment with epinephrine.

Sotalol may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation in the EKG). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, and fainting) that need medical attention right away.

The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using sotalol, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, history of torsade de pointes), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/”water pills”) if you are unable to eat or drink fluids as you normally would, or if you have conditions such as severe/prolonged sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using Sotalol safely.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you dizzier. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This product may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). The risk is higher if you have diabetes, or are vomiting, fasting, or not eating regularly. Other symptoms of low blood sugar levels, such as dizziness and sweating, are not affected by this drug.

If you have diabetes, this product may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Children may be at greater risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) while using this drug, especially if they are vomiting or not eating regularly. To help prevent low blood sugar, make sure children eat regularly. If your child cannot eat regularly, is vomiting, or has symptoms of low blood sugar (such as sweating, and shaking), tell the doctor right away.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, tiredness, and QT prolongation (see above).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strengths

Betapace is available in the following form and strengths:

• Betapace Tablet:
  • 80 mg
  • 160 mg
• Sotalol Tablet:
  • 80 mg
  • 120 mg
  • 160 mg
  • 240 mg

FAQ

What are some less common but more severe side effects of Betapace?

Less common but more severe side effects of Betapace may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Is Betapace safe to take during pregnancy?

Betapace may be harmful to a developing fetus, and it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking Betapace during pregnancy.

Can Betapace interact with other medications?

Yes, Betapace may interact with other medications, and it is important to inform a healthcare provider of all medications and medical conditions before taking Betapace.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Betapace?

If a dose of Betapace is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, it should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed.

Resources:

1. https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/sotalol
2. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9023/betapace-oral/details
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/019865s019lbl.pdf