Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. When your supply of this medicine is running low, contact your doctor or pharmacist ahead of time. Do not allow yourself to run out of this medicine.

This medicine should come with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

For the first three days, you will receive this medicine in a hospital where your heart rhythm can be monitored.

Your pharmacist may prepare the tablets to make an oral liquid. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about this.

Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

If you are also taking an antacid aluminum or magnesium hydroxide, take it 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking sotalol.

Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For abnormal heart rhythms:
    • For oral dosage forms (solution or tablets):
      • Adults—At first, 80 milligrams (mg) once or 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose every 3 days as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage forms (Betapace® and Betapace® AF tablets):
      • Adults—At first, 80 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose every 3 days as needed.
      • Children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. At first, the dose is usually 1.2 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight 3 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 2.4 mg per kg of body weight 3 times a day.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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