Betapace drug: Uses, indications and notes when using

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Betapace (Sotalol) is used to treat and prevent abnormal heart rhythms. It is also used to treat a fast/irregular heartbeat (atrial flutter/fibrillation) in patients with severe symptoms such as weakness and shortness of breath. Sotalol helps relieve these symptoms, slows the heart rate, and helps the heart function properly. This medication is a beta blocker and is also considered an antiarrhythmic.

1. How to use Betapace

Before using Sotalol, you should carefully read the instructions for use on the product label. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for more information.
This medication is to be taken by mouth directly as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 3 times daily. You can take the medicine before or after eating, the most important thing is to be consistent in how you take it.
If you are using a liquid ruler, measure the dose carefully with a special measuring tool/spoon. Do not use a non-specialized spoon as you may not receive the correct dose of medication.
Betapace dosage is determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, dosage is also based on age and body size.
Use this medicine regularly to get the best effect of it. To make it easier for you to remember your medication schedule, take it at the same time each day.
If you use antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, do not take them when you intend to take Sotalol. These antacids can bind to sotalol, reducing its absorption and effectiveness. Separate doses of these antacids and Sotalol by at least 2 hours to reduce interactions.
Do not take more medicine than prescribed because it may increase your risk of side effects, including an irregular heartbeat that becomes more serious. Do not take less medicine or skip doses unless directed by your doctor. Fast/irregular heartbeat is more likely to return if you don't take Sotalol correctly.
If your condition does not improve or gets worse, you need to contact your doctor immediately.

2. Side effects

After using Betapace, you may feel tired, slow heart rate, and dizzy. Less common side effects include headache, diarrhea, and decreased libido. If any of these side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor right away.
Get up slowly when you get up from a sitting or lying position to reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness.
Contact your doctor right away if you experience any serious side effects, including: New or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swollen eyes/feet), fatigue abnormal, unusual/sudden weight gain).
Call a medical center immediately if the following symptoms appear, including: severe dizziness, fainting, sudden change in heart rate (fast/slow/irregular than unusual), chest/jaw pain/ left arm.
Rarely, a serious allergic reaction has occurred after using Betapace. However, get medical help right away if you notice any of these symptoms including: Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing .
The above is not a complete list of possible side effects when taking Betapace. So, if you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor right away.

3. Precautionary measures

Before taking sotalol, tell your doctor about any allergic reactions to the medicine, if any. This product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems so tell your doctor about any allergic reactions you have had. Consult your doctor for more information.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially of: Heart rhythm problems (such as bradycardia, second or third degree atrioventricular block unless you have assistance). help of a pacemaker), kidney problems, heart failure, breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), recent heart attack (within 2 weeks) ), overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), severe allergic reactions requiring treatment with epinephrine.
Sotalol may cause a condition that affects the heart rate (QT prolongation in the electrocardiogram). QT prolongation can rarely cause problems such as fast/irregular heartbeat (rarely fatal) and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical attention. instantly.
If you have certain medical conditions or are taking other medicines that can cause QT prolongation, your risk of QT prolongation may be increased. Before using sotalol, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the medicines you take and if you have any of the following conditions: Certain heart problems (QT prolongation in electrocardiogram, history Torsade de pointes), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in electrocardiogram, sudden death from heart failure).
Low blood levels of potassium or magnesium may also increase the risk of QT prolongation. This risk may be increased if you use certain medicines (such as diuretics), if you are unable to eat or drink fluids as usual, or if you have conditions such as excessive sweating/ prolonged, diarrhea or vomiting. Consult your doctor about using sotalol safely.
If you have diabetes, this product may prevent you from feeling the fast/pounding heartbeat that you normally feel during low blood sugar. Low blood sugar also causes some other symptoms, such as dizziness and sweating, that are not affected by this medicine. Betapace can also make it harder for you to control your blood sugar. Regularly check your blood sugar as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet may need to be adjusted.
Before surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Betapace may make you feel dizzy. While using the drug, it is best to avoid alcoholic beverages.
The side effects of this drug in the elderly may become more sensitive, especially dizziness, fatigue and QT prolongation.
This medicine should be used only when clearly needed if you are pregnant under the guidance of your doctor. Because, Betapace can harm an unborn baby.
Women who are breastfeeding should consult a doctor before using the drug.

4.Interaction

The way the medicine works may change or the risk of serious side effects may be increased when an interaction occurs between the drugs. These are not all possible interactions so you should provide a list of all the products you use (including prescription/over-the-counter drugs and herbal products) and share them with you. Share it with your doctor. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's approval.
Drugs that can interact with Betapace are: Fingolimod.
Besides Sotalol, a number of other drugs can affect heart rate (QT prolongation in electrocardiogram), including amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin) , among others.
Some medicines contain ingredients that can increase heart rate. Share the products you're taking with your doctor and ask how to use them safely (especially cough and cold products, diet aids, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen/ naproxen).
If you have overdosed and develop serious symptoms such as unconsciousness or difficulty breathing, contact a medical center immediately. Symptoms of an overdose include: severe dizziness, fainting, slower/faster/more irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing.
Do not share Betapace with other people.
Medical tests (such as electrocardiogram, kidney function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor disease progression or check for side effects.
If you forget to take your medicine, skip the missed dose.
Betapace should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store medicine in the bathroom. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Dispose of medication properly when it has expired or is no longer needed.

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Reference source: webmd.com