Betapace

Who is Betapace for ?

Sotalol is used to treat irregular heartbeats. It acts on your heart muscle to improve the heart's rhythm. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

When should I be careful taking Betapace ?

Do not stop taking sotalol without talking to your doctor first. If sotalol is stopped suddenly, it may cause chest pain or heart attack in some people.

Before taking sotalol,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sotalol or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for migraine headaches, diabetes, asthma, allergies, colds, or pain; other medications for high blood pressure or heart disease; reserpine; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver disease; asthma or other lung disease; disease of the blood vessels; severe allergies; diabetes; or an overactive thyroid gland.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking sotalol, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking sotalol.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Betapace Side Effects

Although side effects from sotalol are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• excessive tiredness
• headache
• constipation
• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• muscle aches

• shortness of breath or wheezing
• swelling of the feet and lower legs
• chest pain