Sotalol

What is this medication for?

Sotalol belongs to a group of medications known as beta-blockers. This medication is used to control and prevent abnormal heartbeats from occurring.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• This medication should be taken half to one hour before food.
• If you have been taking this medication regularly for several weeks or more, do not stop this medication suddenly without consulting your healthcare professional. Stopping your medication suddenly may worsen your condition.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You have asthma or other breathing problems – this medication may worsen or cause an asthma attack.
• You have prediabetes or diabetes - this medication may hide symptoms of low blood sugar such as fast heartbeat or tremors. You may need to check your blood sugar more closely.
• You have kidney problems.
• You have myasthenia gravis - an autoimmune disorder that causes weakness of the skeletal muscles.
• You have peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of blood vessels in the arms and legs), or Raynaud disease (narrowing of blood vessels in the fingers and toes). 

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

Some side effects may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • This may occur especially when you get up quickly from lying or sitting down. Getting up slowly or changing posture slowly may help. Take a rest by sitting or lying down if you feel dizzy.
• Coldness, numbness or tingling sensation of your fingers or toes
• Feeling weak and tired, and that your heart beats slower
• Visual problems such as eye irritation, blurred vision or worsening of your eyesight – Do not drive or operate tools or heavy machinery if your vision is affected.
• Nausea, vomiting or stomach discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Problems with sexual intercourse

Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects do not go away and becomes bothersome to you.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

It is very important that you are on regular follow-up with your doctor to monitor for any possible side-effects. Inform your healthcare professional if you have any of the following side-effects.

Sotalol may worsen existing abnormal heart rhythm, which may be dangerous. Symptoms of abnormal heart rhythm include one or more of the following:

• Irregular heartbeat e.g. slowed heartbeat or palpitations
• Severe dizziness or fainting spells 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

If you need to take antacids (a group of medicines which work by lowering the acidity in your stomach) that contains aluminum or magnesium, take them 2 hours apart from taking Sotalol.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. Throw away all expired medications.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.