Betapace
Sotalol
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Betapace
Betapace belongs to beta-blocker group of medicines. It acts by helping the heart beat regularly so that the heart can function for longer duration.
Therapeutic Uses of Betapace
Betapace is used in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmia (a type of irregular heart beat that is seen mainly ventricles of the heart). It can also be used in other conditions that your doctor thinks necessary.
Direction of use of Betapace
It should be taken as directed by your doctor.
- Betapace is taken orally along with food or on empty stomach. It should be taken same way every time i. e. if taken with food than take it with food every time.
- Do not take it with antacids or within 2 hours after taking antacid that has aluminum or magnesium in it.
- Keep taking Betapace even if you are getting better with symptomatic improvement. Consult your doctor or other health care provider if you have any doubt regarding direction of use of Betapace (to be taken with or without food).
Dose of Betapace, if Missed
If you are taking Betapace regularly and miss a dose of it, take it as soon as you remember it. If you miss the dose for long time that it is almost time for the next dose than skip the dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Never take 2 doses of Betapace at a time.
How to Store Betapace
Betapace is generally stored at room temperature i.e. 68 to 77 degree F or 20 to 25 degree Centigrade. Store it in a dark container with tight lid and never keep it in bathroom. Keep Betapace out of reach of children and pets. Betapace should be stored away from heat, moisture and light.
More Information About Betapace
If there is no improvement of symptoms you should consult your doctor. Never share it with another patient or anybody, it should be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Betapace
Do not use Betapace if you have any of the following problems and you should contact your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Betapace.
- If you are taking medicines like theophylline, aminophylline, cisapride, terfenadine, astemizole etc.
- If you have history of bronchial asthma, kidney problems, heart problems like bradycardia or very low heart rate, cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat), congestive heart failure, low blood potassium or magnesium levels etc.
Important notes to remember:
- Pregnancy and lactation: if you are pregnant do not use Betapace. If you become pregnant while on Betapace consult your doctor to discuss the risk and benefits of using Betapace during pregnancy. Betapace is found in milk and you should not take it while breast feeding of do not breast feed if you have to take Betapace.
- Betapace may cause drowsiness and sedation, so you should not drive and oprate machinery or risky jobs if you are on Betapace (or till you are sure that it does not cause sedation or drowsiness). Alcohol aggravates the sedative effect of Betapace and should not be taken during treatment with Betapace.
- If you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery you should inform your doctor/dentist.
- Betapace can cause dizziness, lightheadedness etc. and theses effects are increased by alcohol, fever, hot weather or exercise. To prevent these effects especially in the morning, you should stand slowly or sit up slowly.
- Betapace should not be stopped abruptly. Sudden withdrawal of Betapace may cause chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and heart attack. The risk is higher in certain medical conditions. If you have to stop taking Betapace than the dose should be tapered over several weeks. You should not do heavy exercise while tapering Betapace. . If new or worsened chest pain occurs, contact your doctor right away. You may need to start taking Betapace again.
- Lab tests like kidney function tests, cardiac function tests and blood pressure monitoring should be done while taking it. All these testa can be used to monitor the possible side effects and also can be used to determine the effectiveness of the medicine.
Possible Adverse Effects
- If you have any of the common side effects of Betapace like insomnia, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, tiredness etc. than consult your doctor as soon as possible.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you have any of the serious uncommon side effects like allergic reaction (breathing difficulty, chest discomfort, skin rash, swelling in tongue, lips, face etc. and itching), change in appetite, excessive thirst, headache, dizziness, severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, sharp chest pain, numbness of hands and legs, irregular pulse rate, slow or fast heart rate, breathlessness, sweating, vision change etc.