Before taking sotalol

Before taking sotalol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have, or have recently had, diarrhoea.
• If you have kidney problems.
• If you have low blood pressure.
• If you have poor circulation.
• If you have asthma or breathing difficulties.
• If you have diabetes, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or thyroid problems.
• If you have psoriasis (a skin disorder).
• If you suffer from severe allergic reactions.
• If you have heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced) or heart block (a slow and irregular heartbeat).
• If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
• If you know you have Prinzmetal's angina (chest pain caused by spasms of the heart's blood vessels).
• If you know you have sick sinus syndrome (a type of slow heartbeat).
• If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a growth of the adrenal gland).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take sotalol

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take sotalol exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take sotalol at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. It is not important whether you take sotalol before, with or after food.
• Swallow each tablet with a drink of water. If you have been told to take sotalol once a day, then first thing in the morning is best. If you have been asked to take two doses each day, take the doses 12 hours apart.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. Your doctor will want to check your heartbeat regularly.
• If you have diabetes check your blood glucose levels regularly as this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with sotalol.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking sotalol.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking with your doctor first. Your doctor may want to reduce your dose gradually.

Can sotalol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store sotalol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Sotalol 40 mg tablets, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 2009.