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SOTALOL HYDROCHLORIDE 160 MG TABLETS - Patient leaflet, side effects, dosage

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Patient leaflet - SOTALOL HYDROCHLORIDE 160 MG TABLETS

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PACKAGE LEAFLET – INFORMATION FOR THE USER

SOTALOL HYDROCHLORIDE 80 mg TABLETS

SOTALOL HYDROCHLORIDE 160 mg TABLETS (Sotalol Hydrochloride)

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.

  • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
  • If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See Section 4.

In this leaflet:

  • 1. What are Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets and what are they used for

  • 2. What you need to know before you take Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets

  • 3. How to take Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets

  • 4. Possible side effects

  • 5. How to store Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets

  • 6. Contents of the pack and other information

  • 1. What are Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets and what are they used for

Sotalol belongs to a group of medicines called ‘Beta-blockers’ or beta-adrenergic receptor blocking drugs.

Sotalol tablets are used for the treatment of certain types of irregular heartbeats.

2. what you need to know before you take sotalol hydrochloride tablets

Do not take Sotalol tablets if any of the following apply to you.

  • if you are allergic to sotalol hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients in this medicine (listed in section 6).
  • if you suffer from asthma, attacks of wheezing or any other lung disease.
  • if you have a very slow heart beat or low blood pressure.
  • if you suffer from a condition causing discolouration (white or purple) of the hands and feet (Raynaud’s syn­drome).
  • if you suffer from any severe circulation disorders.
  • if you have suffered from heart disease (such as untreated heart failure) or had a recent heart attack that your doctor does not know about.
  • if you suffer from a condition called metabolic acidosis.
  • if you suffer from an untreated tumour of the adrenal gland
  • if you suffer from kidney failure.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets.

Your doctor may wish to check the level of potassium and magnesium in your blood before you start taking Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets. Patients with low levels should not take Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets.

Regular blood tests may be required during your treatment with Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets.

You must tell your doctor:

  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
  • if you have any kidney problems, as your dose of Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets may need to be changed.
  • if you suffer from diabetes, as it may be necessary to change the dose of insulin or any other medicines you take to treat your diabetes. Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets may also hide or reduce the warning signs of low levels of sugar in your blood (hypoglycaemia).
  • if you have an overactive thyroid, as Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets can hide the symptoms or make them worse if treatment with Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets is stopped suddenly.
  • if you suffer from, or have recently suffered from diarrhoea, or if you have recently had severe diarrhoea, or an attack that lasted a long time. This is because it can affect the levels of potassium and magnesium in the body, and you may not be able to take Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets.
  • if you suffer from psoriasis (a skin disease that causes itchy, red, sore patches of skin).
  • if you suffer from liver problems

Other medicines and SOTALOL HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS

Tell your doctor if you are taking , have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including those obtained without a prescription. Some medicines can have an effect on each others actions.

It is especially important that you tell your doctor if you are taking the following medicines:

  • for the treatment of high blood pressure, heart failure or an irregular heartbeat (e.g. digoxin, amiodarone, verapamil)
  • floctafenine (medicine used for the short term treatment of mild to moderate pain)
  • for the treatment of certain infections (e.g. amphotericin B, pentamidine, halofantrine)
  • steroids
  • laxatives
  • clonidine (sometimes used to treat hot flushes or headaches)
  • for the treatment of hypertension (e.g. reserpine, guanethidine or alpha methyldopa)
  • for the treatment of diabetes (e.g. metformin or insulin)
  • for the treatment of asthma and other diseases of the lung (e.g. ventolin inhalers)
  • for depression, anxiety, nervous disorders and mental disturbances (e.g. methyldopa)
  • for allergies such as hay fever (e.g. antihistamines)
  • antibiotics
  • water tablets (diuretics)
  • Neuromuscular blocking agents like tubocurarine.

SOTALOL HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS with food, drink and alcohol

Moderate amounts of alcohol will not affect Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets, however you should check with your doctor first to see if drinking is advisable for you.

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. You should not be given Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets during pregnancy unless your doctor thinks it is essential.

You should not breastfeed while you are being treated with Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets.

Driving and using machines

Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets does not usually affect your ability to drive. However, if you feel light-headed or dizzy, do not drive or operate machinery.

SOTALOL HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS contains lactose

If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

3. how to take sotalol hydrochloride tablets

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Adults

The recommended daily dose is between 80 mg and 320 mg. Some patients may need up to 640 mg a day or sometimes the doctor may prescribe a different dose from these. Lower doses are often used for elderly patients or those with kidney disease.

Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and can be taken with or without food.

The dose may be taken either as a single dose or in two divided doses. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

For the first few weeks after you start your Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets treatment your doctor will need to see you regularly to check on your response, and may need to adjust the dose to one that suits you.

Children

Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets is not recommended for use in children.

If you take more SOTALOL HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS than you should

If you take too many tablets contact your doctor or go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately and take the tablets and leaflet with you.

If you forget to take SOTALOL HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS

If you forget to take a dose, do not worry, just take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose then you should miss the forgotten dose and continue as before. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you stop taking SOTALOL HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS

Do not stop taking Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets without consulting your doctor. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer

Accord Healthcare Limited,

Sage House, 319, Pinner Road,

North Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 4HF,

United Kingdom.

This leaflet was last revised in August 2020.

4. possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine, can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Tell your doctor immediately if you get any of the following symptoms: swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat with difficulty in swallowing or breathing. These may be signs of an allergic reaction and the tablets will be stopped.

Side effects seen with Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets (affecting more than 1 in 100 patients) include the following:

  • irregular heartbeat, abnormal heart rhythm, slow heartbeat, heart failure, chest pain, low blood pressure, difficulty in breathing, swelling, fainting and palpitations.
  • nausea and vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, muscle cramps.
  • anxiety, depression, mood changes, headache, light-headedness, dizziness, general weakness, tiredness, problems with vision, sleeping, tingling in feet and hands (pins and needles).
  • sexual dysfunction, fever, rash, hearing problems, changes in the way things taste.

Patients taking this type of medicine have complained of cold and/or blue fingers and toes, worsening of aches in their legs when walking or dry eyes.

Not known (the frequency cannot be estimated from available data):

  • Hair loss
  • Excessive sweating
  • Abnormally low levels of thrombocytes, also known as platelets, in the blood.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. how to store sotalol hydrochloride tablets

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package.

Do not use your tablets after the expiry date stated on the label or carton.

Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.

6. contents of the pack and other information

What Sotalol Hydrochloride Tablet contains?

  • The active substance is Sotalol Hydrochloride.
  • The inactive ingredients are lactose, maize starch, sodium starch glycollate (Type A), magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl cellulose and colloidal anhydrous silica).(see section 2 for Important information about some of the ingredients of sotalol hydrochloride tablets).

What Sotalol Hydrochloride Tablet looks like and contents of the pack?

Sotalol Hydrochloride 80 mg tablets are white to off white, round, biconvex, uncoated, debossed with ‚DR‘ on one side and plain on the other side.

Sotalol Hydrochloride 160 mg tablets are white to off white, round, biconvex, uncoated, debossed with ‚DS‘ on one side and plain on the other side.

Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets are available as blister packs in pack sizes of 7, 14, 21, 28, 56 and 100 tablets (Not all pack sizes may be marketed).

INP001 10 2745 0 681029

The drug is classified in the ATC tree:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sotalol Hydrochloride 160 mg used for?

Sotalol Hydrochloride 160 mg is a medication primarily used to treat certain types of irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias. It helps maintain a normal heart rhythm.

How should I take Sotalol Hydrochloride 160 mg tablets?

You should take Sotalol Hydrochloride 160 mg with or without food, as directed by your doctor. It's important to take it at the same time each day.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Sotalol?

If you miss a dose of Sotalol, take it as soon as you remember. If it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses.

Can Sotalol Hydrochloride cause side effects?

Yes, like all medications, Sotalol can cause side effects. Common side effects include fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. If you experience severe side effects or an allergic reaction, contact your doctor immediately.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Sotalol?

It's best to avoid alcohol while taking Sotalol, as it can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness.

Can I stop taking Sotalol suddenly?

No, you should not stop taking Sotalol suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to serious heart problems. Your doctor will guide you on how to safely discontinue the medication.

How long does it take for Sotalol to work?

The full effect of Sotalol may take several days or weeks to achieve. However, some patients might notice improvements in their symptoms sooner.

Are there any food restrictions while taking Sotalol Hydrochloride?

There are no specific food restrictions while taking Sotalol; however, maintaining a healthy diet can help manage your condition more effectively.

Can I take other medications with Sotalol?

You should inform your doctor about all other medications you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as some may interact with Sotalol.

What should I do if I experience heart palpitations while on Sotalol?

If you experience heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat while taking Sotalol, contact your healthcare provider immediately for advice.

Is there a generic version of Sotalol available?

Yes, there is a generic version of Sotalol available which may be less expensive than the brand-name version.

Can I use Sotalol if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using Sotalol, as it may not be safe in all cases.

How should I store Sotalol Hydrochloride tablets?

Store Sotalol tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep them out of reach of children.

What are the potential risks of long-term use of Sotalol?

Long-term use of Sotalol may lead to potential risks including changes in heart rate and rhythm disturbances. Regular check-ups with your doctor are essential.

Can elderly patients use Sotalol safely?

Elderly patients may require special consideration when using Sotalol due to an increased risk of side effects; it's important they consult their healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Is there any specific lifestyle change I should make while on Sotalol?

It's advisable to maintain a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise and a balanced diet to help manage your heart condition while on Sotalol.

How often will my doctor need to monitor me while I'm on this medication?

Your doctor will likely schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your heart function and any potential side effects associated with the medication.

Are there any alternatives to taking Sotalol for arrhythmias?

Yes, there are other medications and treatments available for arrhythmias. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider for the best choice based on your situation.

What is the importance of adhering to my prescribed dosage of Sotalol?

Adhering strictly to your prescribed dosage is crucial for effectively managing your condition and preventing complications associated with irregular heart rhythms.