Sotalol - Oral

Sotalol is used to treat irregular or abnormal heartbeats.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Take Sotalol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1-2 hours before a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Sotalol is available as a tablet or an oral solution.

If you are taking the tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.

If you are taking the oral solution, use the measuring spoon or dropper provided to measure your dose.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your response to the medication.

Sotalol must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• current or history of asthma, and other lung problems
• 2nd- or 3rd-degree heart block
• very slow heartbeat
• cardiogenic shock (a serious sudden condition when the heart cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the brain and vital organs of the body)
• sick sinus syndrome (abnormal heart rhythms due to problems with your heart's natural pacemaker)
• an inherited or acquired disease causing abnormally fast and erratic heartbeats
• uncontrolled heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
• untreated phaeochromocytoma (rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
• severe circulation disorders
• metabolic acidosis (a condition when there is too much acid in the blood)
• severe kidney disease

as this medicine may not be suitable for you.

Do not take Sotalol with certain medicines used to block pain and sensation, such as cyclopropane and trichloroethylene.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• other heart problems e.g. history of heart failure, 1st-degree heart block, recent heart attack
• history of severe allergic reactions to various allergens
• diabetes
• thyroid disease
• imbalance of essential minerals in the body
• myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
• Raynaud's disease (poor blood circulation which makes the toes and fingers numb and pale when feeling cold or stressed)
• mild to moderate kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Sotalol to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. ECG [test used to record the electrical activity of the heart], kidney function, blood electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with Sotalol. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.

Sotalol may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion, stomach pain, stomach wind, altered taste, tiredness, weakness, fever, and difficulty sleeping.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• signs and symptoms of allergic reactions e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
• new or worsening irregular heartbeat, slow heartbeat
• severe dizziness, fainting or passing out
• signs and symptoms of heart failure e.g. chest pain or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Sotalol with certain medicines used to block pain and sensation, such as cyclopropane and trichloroethylene.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for high blood pressure e.g. diltiazem, verapamil, clonidine, guanethidine, reserpine
• other medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. disopyramide, quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone
• medicines for allergy e.g. terfenadine, astemizole
• medicines to treat depression e.g. imipramine
• medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
• certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, sparfloxacin

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Sotalol.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.