What is this medication?

SOTALOL (SOE ta lole) prevents and treats a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). It is often used to treat a type of arrhythmia known as AFib (atrial fibrillation). It works by slowing down overactive electric signals in the heart, which stabilizes your heart rhythm. It also lowers your heart rate. It belongs to a group of medications called antiarrhythmics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Heart or vessel disease like low blood pressure, slow heart rate, worsening heart failure, heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or Raynaud's disease
• Kidney disease
• History of low levels of potassium or magnesium
• Lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
• Pheochromocytoma
• Recent heart attack
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to sotalol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for infusion into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Amoxapine
• Arsenic trioxide
• Certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin
• Cisapride
• Droperidol
• Haloperidol
• Hawthorn
• Medications for malaria like chloroquine and halofantrine
• Medications to control heart rhythm like amiodarone, disopyramide, flecainide, ibutilide, propafenone
• Methadone
• Pentamidine
• Pimozide
• Phenothiazines like prochlorperazine, perphenazine, thioridazine
• Pimozide
• Ranolazine
• Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline
• Troleandomycin

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Clonidine
• Digoxin
• Dofetilide
• Guanethidine
• Medications for angina or high blood pressure like diltiazem or verapamil
• Medications for colds and breathing difficulties
• Medications for diabetes
• Other beta blockers like atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol
• Reserpine
• Ziprasidone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
• Worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in sex drive or performance
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.