Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Betapace, Sotacor, Sotalex
Sotalol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocking agent with Class II and Class III antiarrhythmic properties. It works by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, slowing down the heart rate and reducing the force of heart contractions. It also prolongs the duration of the action potential in the heart, further stabilizing the heart rhythm. Sotalol is available in both oral and intravenous formulations.
For the treatment of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and maintaining normal sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
Sotalol can cause a potentially fatal arrhythmia called Torsades de Pointes. Patients should be carefully monitored for QT prolongation, especially during initiation of therapy and after dosage changes. Electrolyte abnormalities, such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, should be corrected before starting sotalol.
Outcome:
Increased risk of bradycardia and heart block.
Mechanism:
Additive effects on heart rate and conduction.
Outcome:
Sotalol can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Mechanism:
Beta-blockade can mask the adrenergic symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Outcome:
Decreased sotalol absorption.
Mechanism:
Binding of sotalol in the gastrointestinal tract.
Most likely new formulation: Extended-release sotalol (2026, 60% confidence)
Based on current usage trends and emerging alternatives, there is a 15% likelihood of new generic sotalol formulations entering the market in the next 5 years.
Antiarrhythmic, Beta Blocker
Methanesulfonanilide