What You Need To Know About Sotalol

Sotalol is used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). It acts on your heart muscle to improve the heart's rhythm. It may also be used to treat high blood pressure, to prevent additional heart attacks or to relieve chest pain.

How and when should it be used?

You will get your first dose of sotalol while you are in the hospital so your healthcare team can see how you respond to the medication. Your doctor will tell you how much you need to take after you leave the hospital.

This information will also be on your prescription label. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how or when to take this or any of your medications.

Sotalol comes in tablets and is usually taken twice a day. Do not skip a dose or take less or more of the medication than your doctor prescribes. Even if you feel well, NEVER stop taking this medication without asking your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking sotalol, your condition may get worse.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

What special instructions should I follow while using this drug?

• Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medications, vitamins, herbal and dietary supplements you take.
• Keep all appointments with your doctor and the lab so they know how well the drug is working.
• Sotalol can cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
• Always have enough of this medication on hand. Check your supply before vacations, holidays and other times when you may not be able get more of the medication.
• Do not take this medication if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
• Alcoholic beverages can worsen the side effects of sotalol. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Tell your doctor and dentist that you are take sotalol before you have any surgical or dental procedure or emergency treatment.
• If you have diabetes, continue following your nutrition guidelines and take all medications as prescribed.

What should I do if I forget to take a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.

Do not take a double dose. If you miss more than one dose, contact your doctor.

What are the common side effects?

Call your doctor if the following side effects are persistent or severe:

• Feeling dizzy, drowsy or light-headed. Get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Make sure you know how you react to the medication before you take part in activities that require you to be alert.
• Headache, stomach upset, blurred vision or cough.
• Decreased sexual desire.
• Trouble sleeping, reduced concentration or changes in mood.
• Cold hands and feet, altered sense of taste, dry skin or muscle aches.

If you have any of the following symptoms, stop taking sotalol and call your doctor immediately:

• Chest pain, rapid pulse or increase in irregular heartbeats
• Skin rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Mental confusion
• Trouble urinating
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Easy bruising or bleeding

Note to patients with diabetes: Sotalol may cause blood sugar levels to fall. This medicine may also cover up signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

How should I store this drug?

• Keep sotalol in the container it came in.
• Store tablets at room temperature.
• Store sotalol away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight. Do not store this medication in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places.
• Keep sotalol out of the reach of children.
• Never share your medication with anyone.
• Never take outdated medications. Some medication prescription labels list an expiration date. If such a date is not on your medication label, or if you are unsure how old a medication is, call your pharmacy.

When should I call my doctor?

If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, please contact your doctor.

Call your doctor right away if you:

• Develop a skin rash.
• Have a fever of 38.3°C (101°F) or higher.
• Have faster heartbeats, an increase in irregular heartbeats, or near fainting.
• Experience any other side effects that you think could be caused by this medication and/or are of concern to you.
• Have persistent or severe side effects.
• Have any other questions or concern.

If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, please contact your doctor.

This is a summary of information to help you understand and safely take your medication. Ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information about your medications and special instructions you may need based on your overall health.