What type of drug is sotalol?

Sotalol belongs to a group of medicines called beta blockers. It’s used to treat atrial fibrillation and other conditions that cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). This medicine is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets.

Is sotalol a potassium channel blocker?

Sotalol is a non-cardioselective beta-blocker that also possesses potassium channel blocker properties. It classifies as a class III agent in the Vaughan-Williams classification system for antiarrhythmic medications due to its predominant potassium channel blocking effect.

Is sotalol water soluble?

Sotalol hydrochloride is a white, crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 308.8. It is hydrophilic, soluble in water, propylene glycol and ethanol, but is only slightly soluble in chloroform.

Which isomer of sotalol has non selective beta blocker activity?

The d-isomer of sotalol—with virtually no β-blocking activity, and considered to have only class III antiarrhythmic effects—was studied as an antiarrhythmic in high-risk patients after MI in the Survival With Oral d-Sotalol (SWORD) trial, but the study was terminated prematurely because of a higher mortality rate in …

What are the 4 classes of antiarrhythmic drugs?

Antiarrhythmic drug classes:
  • Class I – Sodium-channel blockers.
  • Class II – Beta-blockers.
  • Class III – Potassium-channel blockers.
  • Class IV – Calcium-channel blockers.
  • Miscellaneous – adenosine. – electrolyte supplement (magnesium and potassium salts) – digitalis compounds (cardiac glycosides)

What are the Class 3 antiarrhythmics?

Amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide, and ibutilide are examples of class III drugs that are currently available. Amiodarone and sotalol have other antiarrhythmic properties in addition to pure class III action, which differentiates them from the others. However, all have potential serious adverse events.

What class antiarrhythmic is sotalol?

Sotalol, a methanesulfonanilide, is a class III antiarrhythmic drug (table 1) that is used for the treatment of both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.

What are non selective beta-blockers?

Nonselective beta-blockers are drugs that work to lower arterial and venous pressure. Beta-adrenergic receptors are a type of adrenergic receptors that play a central role in the sympathetic nervous system.

What is the difference between metoprolol and sotalol?

Conclusion: Sotalol is a safe and effective agent for control of heart rate in digitalized patients with atrial fibrillation. Sotalol is superior to metoprolol at submaximal exercise, resulting in better rate control during daily activities.

Does sotalol affect potassium levels?

Explanation Required. People with prolonged diarrhea and vomiting, as well as those taking potassium-depleting diuretics, might develop low blood potassium levels. Individuals with low blood potassium levels who take sotalol have an increased risk of developing a serious heart arrhythmia and fainting.

Does sotalol increase potassium?

It’s a very unique drug that it blocks potassium channels in the heart but it also blocks adrenaline to the heart, so it’s a beta blocker — which are commonly used drugs — in addition to being a potassium channel blocker.

What drugs are potassium channel blockers?

Generic and brand names of potassium channel blockers include:
  • Amifampridine.
  • Ampyra.
  • Dalfampridine.
  • Firdapse.
  • Ruzurgi.

Can you take potassium with sotalol?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between potassium chloride and Sotalol Hydrochloride AF.

What are the dangers of sotalol?

Sotalol may cause heart failure in some patients. Check with your doctor right away if you are having chest pain or discomfort, dilated neck veins, extreme fatigue, irregular breathing, an irregular heartbeat, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, or weight gain.

When should you stop sotalol?

If you have any of the following symptoms, stop taking sotalol and call your doctor immediately: Chest pain, rapid pulse or increase in irregular heartbeats. Skin rash. Difficulty breathing.

Does sotalol cause memory loss?

Common side effects of sotalol include bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, dizziness, depression, memory loss, impotence, cold limbs and, less commonly, severe hypotension, heart failure and bronchospasm.

Is sotalol a high risk medication?

Sotalol (Betapace) can lower your heart rate or cause a ‘heart block,’ which can be very dangerous. People who have sick sinus syndrome (a kind of abnormal heart rhythm) shouldn’t take this medication. Talk to your provider if you have fainting spells or feel dizzy.

Does sotalol affect sleep?

Commonly reported side effects of sotalol include: bradycardia, fatigue, and headache. Other side effects include: dyspnea, ecg abnormality, insomnia, and nausea and vomiting. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

What is a good substitute for sotalol?

Top 5 sotalol alternatives
  • Pacerone (amiodarone) …
  • Multaq (dronedarone) …
  • Tikosyn (dofetilide) …
  • Flecainide. …
  • Rythmol SR (propafenone sustained release)

What is the first drug of choice for atrial fibrillation?

Amiodarone as a first-choice drug for restoring sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation: a randomized, controlled study.

Is sotalol safe in heart failure?

Sotalol should be used with caution in patients with LV dysfunction. Although not contraindicated, its use is not supported by the ACC/AHA HF practice guidelines, and small trials have shown conflicting results; definitive conclusions are not possible at this time.