MedDataToolSotalol is a medication used to treat serious heart rhythm problems, specifically life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and to help maintain a normal heart rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter. It works by slowing down the heart rate and helping to stabilize the heart's electrical activity. You typically take it as a tablet, starting with a dose of 80 mg twice a day, which can be increased to a maximum of 320 mg daily as needed. It's important to know that sotalol can cause serious heart rhythm issues, so it should not be used if you have certain heart conditions, like a slow heart rate or a long QT interval. Additionally, taking antacids within two hours of sotalol can reduce its effectiveness, so it's best to space them out.
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Uses
- Treatment of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
- Maintenance of normal sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter.
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Dosage
Initial adult dose is 80 mg twice daily.
Increase dose by 80 mg every 3 days as needed.
Maximum adult dose is 320 mg daily.
Pediatric dosing depends on age and body surface area.
Adjust doses for patients with kidney issues.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
fatiguebradycardiadyspneaproarrhythmiaastheniadizzinesslife-threatening ventricular arrhythmias
Serious
Torsade de Pointes
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Can cause life-threatening ventricular tachycardia.
- Monitor QT interval; reduce dose if QT is 500 msec or greater.
- Avoid in patients with easily reversible atrial fibrillation.
- Use with caution in patients with kidney impairment.
- Initiate therapy in a facility that can provide cardiac resuscitation.
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Drug interactions
- Class I or III antiarrhythmicsavoid use togetherAvoid
- Digoxinincreased risk of bradycardia and heart failureMonitor
- Calcium channel blockersincreased risk of bradycardiaMonitor
- Antacidsreduce sotalol exposure if taken within 2 hours.Caution
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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).