Introduction of Sotalol

Sotalol is used to treat irregular heartbeats. Sotalol is in a class of medications called antiarrhythmics. It works by acting on the heart muscle to improve the heart's rhythm.

Precautions 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.

• if you are taking aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids (Maalox, Mylanta), take them at least 2 hours before or after sotalol.

• in addition to the condition listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart 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.

Side Effects of Sotalol

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

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• shortness of breath or wheezing

• swelling of the feet and lower legs

• chest pain

Storage Conditions for Sotalol