Sotalol Injection

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:

• Alcohol use
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• High or low levels of electrolytes, such as magnesium or potassium, in your blood
• Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• Kidney disease
• Low blood pressure
• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
• Slow heartbeat
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to sotalol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about 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:

• Dronedarone
• Fingolimod
• Ibutilide
• Ketoconazole
• Levoketoconazole
• Pimozide
• Thioridazine
• Ziprasidone

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Antacids
• Digoxin
• Medications for diabetes
• Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes

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.

You may need blood work done before or while taking this medication. Your care team may also give you a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart before and during treatment.

This medication may affect blood glucose levels. It can also mask the symptoms of low blood sugar, such as a rapid heartbeat and tremors. If you have diabetes, it is important to check your blood sugar often while you are taking this medication.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. There are benefits and risks to taking medications during pregnancy. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

Do not breastfeed while taking 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 syndrome—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these 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.