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USES: This medication is a beta-blocking agent used to treat serious heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias).
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Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Betapace
Uses
This medication is a beta-blocking agent used to treat serious heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). Notes
- This medication is initially given in the hospital where your condition can be monitored closely.
- Laboratory tests will be done periodically to be sure the drug is working properly and to monitor for possible side effects.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
Photos
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Betapace (sotalol) 160 mg |
Betapace (sotalol) 240 mg |
Betapace (sotalol) 120 mg | How
To Use - Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach as prescribed.
- Be sure to follow instructions closely.
- Do not increase your dose, skip any doses or take this more often than directed.
- Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without your doctors approval.
- In some cases, your condition may become worse if the medication is abruptly discontinued.
Side
Effects - Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset or blurred vision may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication.
- Other common side effects reported include cough, decreased sexual desire, trouble sleeping, reduced concentration, altered taste, dry skin and muscle aches.
- If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
- Notify your doctor if you develop chest pain, a rapid pulse, skin rash, breathing trouble, mental confusion, trouble urinating, fever, sore throat or easy bruising or bleeding while taking this medication.
- To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly.
- Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects.
- Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication causes you to feel drowsy or dizzy.
- If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing kidney disease, heart disease, lung disease, asthma, emphysema, thyroid disease, diabetes or if you have any allergies.
- This medication should be used only if clearlyneeded during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed
Dose - If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Drug
Interactions - Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including any medication for blood pressure, depression, diabetes, water pills, antibiotics or heart medication.
- Do not take any over-the-counter medication for allergies or cough or colds without consulting your doctor or pharmacists.
- Many of the products contain ingredients which may interact with this medication's effects.
- Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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User Medicine
Opinions for Betapace |
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |