Betapace (Sotalol) is a prescription medication used to treat heart rhythm disorders like an atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation. The drug helps the heart beat regularly. Heart rhythm disorders are caused by high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and a current heart attack. The active ingredient in Betapace is Sotalol. Sotalol belongs to a class of medications called beta-blockers. It works by slowing down electric signals in the heart, making it beat more steadily. The drug also lowers the heart rate, making it easier for the heart to relax and pump blood around the body.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Betapace from Australia (Sotacor) manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb and the generic Sotalol is also available from Canada and New Zealand by different manufacturers. Betapace and Sotalol are both available in the strength of 80 mg and 160 mg tablets.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Betapace. The most common side effects of Betapace may include the following:
• Constipation;
• Diarrhea;
• Dizziness;
• Headache;
• Muscle aches;
• Shortness of breath;
• Slow heartbeat;
• Tiredness;
• Upset stomach
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Chest pain;
• Feeling dizzy or syncopal attacks;
• Palpitations;
• Sudden drop in blood pressure;
• Swelling of feet and lower legs;
• Unusual weight gain;
• Wheezing
These are not all of the side effects of Sotalol. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Betapace if you are allergic to Sotalol or any ingredient in Betapace. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Have an overactive thyroid;
• Have an upcoming surgery that involves general anesthesia;
• Have diabetes;
• Have had a recent heart attack;
• Have heart or vessel disease like worsening heart failure, heart block, or Raynaud’s disease;
• Have kidney problems;
• Have low blood magnesium or potassium levels;
• Have low blood pressure;
• Have lung diseases like asthma or chronic bronchitis;
• Have severe diarrhea
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Betapace and other medicines, including diuretics, antibiotics, antihistamines, laxatives, and steroids. Avoid verapamil, amiodarone, halofantrine, or reserpine with Betapace. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Sotalol should only be used in pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. It is not known if Sotalol is excreted in breast milk. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Use Betapace precisely as prescribed by your doctor. You can take Sotalol with or without food. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without informing your doctor. This can lead to serious side effects. This drug may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or carry out activities that require mental alertness. Do not stand or sit up quickly. Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can add to the drowsiness this drug causes. Inform your doctor if you experience severe dizziness or rapid drop in your blood pressure. Keep Betapace tablets in their original container. Store at 770F(250C), away from excess moisture and heat.
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