Betapace (Sotalol)

Betapace is used for treating certain types of irregular heartbeat (ventricular arrhythmias). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Use Betapace as directed by your doctor.

• Take Betapace by mouth with or without food. Try to take it the same way (either with food or without food) each time you take your dose. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about taking Betapace with food.
• Do not take an antacid that has aluminum or magnesium in it within 2 hours before or after you take Betapace.
• Taking Betapace at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Continue to use Betapace even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Betapace belongs to a group of medicines called beta-Betapace is a beta-blocker. It works by helping the heart beat regularly for a longer period of time.

If you miss a dose of Betapace and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store Betapace at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Betapace out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do not use Betapace if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Betapace;
• you have certain heart problems (e.g., severe low heart rate, uncontrolled heart failure, certain types of abnormal heartbeat rhythm), low blood potassium or magnesium levels, severe kidney problems, or a history of asthma;
• you are taking cisapride, astemizole, terfenadine, mibefradil, dofetilide, or a theophylline (e.g., aminophylline).

• Betapace may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Betapace with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Betapace may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Betapace before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Do not suddenly stop taking Betapace . Sharp chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and sometimes heart attack may occur if you suddenly stop Betapace . The risk may be greater if you have certain types of heart disease. Heart disease is common and you may not know you have it. Your doctor should slowly lower your dose over several weeks if you need to stop taking it. Limit physical activity while you are lowering your dose. If new or worsened chest pain or other heart problems occur, contact your doctor right away. You may need to start taking Betapace again.
• Lab tests, including heart function, kidney function, and blood pressure monitoring, may be performed while you use Betapace. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Betapace while you are pregnant. This medicine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Betapace.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• dizziness; drowsiness; headache; light-headedness; tiredness; trouble sleeping.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormally fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; changes in vision; decreased appetite; excessive thirst; numbness of an arm or leg; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; severe stomach pain; sharp or crushing chest pain; sudden leg pain; sudden severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting; sudden shortness of breath; unusual sweating.

Betapace is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.