The Sotalol is used in the presence of some abnormalities of the heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation) in order to maintain a regular heartbeat frequency .
What is Sotalol?
Sotalol is an antiarrhythmic . It works by promoting the maintenance of regular heart beat.
How is Sotalol taken?
The administration of Sotalol takes place orally (usually in the form of tablets or solution) or by injections directly into the vein.
Side effects of Sotalol
Sotalol can affect the results of some laboratory tests and blood sugar levels . So it can conceal the symptoms of hypoglycaemia in people suffering from diabetes , and in those suffering from hyperthyroidism . Sotalol can lead to an extension of the QT interval , with a risk of any serious irregular heart beat that is greater in women.
Its other possible side effects include:
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea
- fatigue
- He retched
- weakness
A doctor should be contacted as soon as possible in case of:
- rash
- itch
- swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue or throat
- breathing difficulties
- feeling of tightness or chest pain
- fainting
- accelerated or slow heartbeat
- new heart irregularities or worsening of the existing ones
- severe or persistent dizziness or tiredness
- shortness of breath
- sudden and unmotivated weight gain
- swelling of hands, ankles , legs, feet
- unusual sweating
Complications and warnings on the use of Sotalol
There are some heart beat anomalies in which the intake of Sotalol is contraindicated. Some heart problems also include other conditions – such as low potassium or magnesium levels, severe kidney problems, asthma or other breathing problems and being a pacemaker. In addition, Sotalol should never be administered in conjunction with antiarrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants or any medicine that increases the risk of prolonging the QT interval.
In case of treatment with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium it is necessary to take them at least 2 hours before or after Sotalol.
Taking Sotalol may impair your ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery , especially if it is concomitant with that of alcohol or other medications. The risk of dizziness and fainting associated with treatment can be increased by alcohol, heat, physical activity and fever, and may be more likely especially in the morning when getting out of bed.
Before starting a Sotalol treatment it is essential to inform your doctor:
- any allergies to the active substance, to its excipients, to other medicines, to foods or to any other substance;
- of the medicines, phytotherapy and supplements taken , in particular other antiarrhythmics, calcium channel blockers, Clonidine, Digoxin, diuretics, Guanethidine, Reserpine, macrolides, Ketolides, Phenothiazines, Quinolones, tricyclic antidepressants, beta agonists, Epinephrine, Insulin and other medicines diabetes;
- if you have recently taken an antiarrhythmic ;
- if you suffer (or have suffered) from other heart conditions, respiratory or lung problems, hyperthyroidism , kidney problems, diabetes, problems with blood flow, in the electrolytes inside it (for example potassium or magnesium) or in acid levels o bases in the body, low blood pressure, hypoglycaemia and adrenal tumors ;
- if you have undergone surgery , or if you have planned surgery;
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding ;
Before you stop taking Sotalol, you need to get your doctor’s consent .
Your doctor, surgeon and dentist should always be informed of taking Sotalol
