Sotalol (Sotacor ®)

What is sotalol? What if you miss taking a dose? Sotalol is a medication that If it is almost time for you next dose, skip helps the heart beat regularly when you the dose you missed and just take your next have had abnormal heartbeats. scheduled dose. It is a member of a drug class called Never take two doses at the same time. anti-arrhythmics. Anti-arrhythmics help If you have questions about taking your control the disorganized electrical medications, or missed doses, contact your impulses that lead to irregular heart pharmacist or your health care provider. In rhythms. British Columbia, you can also call 8-1-1.

What is sotalol used for? Do not take any of the following without . Atrial Fibrillation or Atrial Flutter checking with your health care provider . Other irregular heart rhythms . Cough and cold products . Ephedra . Herbal products . Chinese medicines How does sotalol help with abnormal . Anti-inflammatory medicines heartbeats? . Other medicines you can buy at a . Reduces episodes of irregular pharmacy rhythm

. Reduces length of time in Health Provider contact information: irregular rhythm

. Improves patient symptoms and quality of life To learn more about sotalol, go to the HealthLinkBC web site (www.healthlinkbc.ca) or call 8-1-1. How should I take my sotalol? Take this medication regularly, as prescribed by your doctor. Sotalol doses should be spaced evenly Did you know? It can take several weeks, throughout the day and taken on an and sometimes months, before you notice empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 your heart rhythm improving and you hours after food) if possible. start feeling better. Do not stop taking sotalol without instruction from your health care provider.

Common Side Effects If you get any of these side effects, talk with your health care provider about how best to deal with them. Most side effects improve with time. Contact your health care provider if any of these side effects do not go away or get worse. Dizziness Headache, “brain fog” Light-headedness Changes in blood sugar if you have diabetes Nausea, Diarrhea Changes in sexual ability or desire Exercise intolerance Slower heart rate Cold hands or feet Feeling tired all the time

Rare but Reportable Side Effects Contact your health care provider if any of the following side effects occur. Shortness of breath, wheezing New or worsening palpitations Fainting Changes in mood

Medication Tips This medication can sometimes cause Certain medications may interact dizziness or drowsiness; be careful when with sotalol including: driving or using hazardous machinery . Calcium channel blockers until you know how this medication . Digoxin affects you. . Certain antibiotics/antifungals To lower the chance of feeling dizzy, rise . Medications for breathing slowly from sitting or if you have been difficulties lying down. . Medications for angina or high If you have any other medical conditions, blood pressure are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is . Diuretics (water pills) important to tell your health care provider . Medications for diabetes before starting medications. . Medications for depression, If you become sick and are unable to anxiety or psychosis drink enough fluid to keep you hydrated This does not always mean the (ie diarrhea or vomiting), contact your medications cannot be used health care provider as your sotalol may together. Your doctor may need need to be held. to adjust doses to ensure the Alcohol can impact both your medications medications are safe and and your health condition. You should effective. This list does not speak to your care provider about alcohol include all possible drug use. interactions. Please check with your pharmacist before starting any new medication.