SOTALOL
Background and Date of Approval
The United States FDA approved Sotalol on 22 February 2000. Sotalol is a beta-blocker medication. It is used to treat irregular heartbeat.
Uses
Sotalol is used to treat irregular heart beat (arrhythmia).
How is it administered?
Sotalol is available as a 40mg tablet which can be consumed orally with food. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are experienced while you are on the treatment with Sotalol are tiredness, slow rate, shortness of breath and dizziness . Inform your doctor immediately if you have allergic reactions with swelling of the face, hand, feet or ankle, lips, tongue, or throat with difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
Warnings
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to sotalol or any of the ingredients present in them, asthma, low blood pressure, lung, heart, liver and kidney problems. Your doctor may advise you to monitor your blood potassium and calcium level and Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Precautions
Inform your doctor if you have thyroid, psoriasis problem and it is recommended to talk with your doctor if you have any upcoming surgery. Consult your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant or while you are breastfeeding. The safety and effectiveness of the drug has not been established. Patients who have lactose intolerance should be cautious while taking the medicine.
Word of Advice
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience excessive or prolonged diarrhoea, sweating, or vomiting, or if you develop loss of appetite or thirst. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose, as this may cause undesirable effects in your body.
References
Aurum Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jan 2018] [Accessed on 28th Sep 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4126.pdf Hospira Healthcare Corporation, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on April 2017], [Accessed on 28th Sep 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/021117s015lbl.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a sotalol while I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, it is not recommended to consult your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant or while you are breastfeeding.
Can I take sotalol if I have a history of allergies?
Inform your doctor that you are allergic to sotalol before starting medicine.
What are the foods I need to avoid while taking sotalol?
Drinking alcohol while taking sotalol may cause undesirable effects. So it is recommended to consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
What are the precautions I need to take while taking sotalol?
Inform your doctor if you have asthma, low blood pressure, lung, heart, liver and kidney problems.
Is there a specific monitoring schedule or tests I must undergo while taking sotalol?
You may be advised to monitor your blood potassium and calcium level and Electrocardiogram (ECG).